A volunteer scheme has been started in a bid to reduce infant deaths in a part of Bradford.

Infant mortality in the district is 67 per cent above the national average and is particularly high in inner city wards like Manningham.

Now Action for Business Ltd, based at Carlisle Business Centre, is introducing a volunteer doula scheme in a bid to improve the quality of communication between mothers-to-be and health professionals in the hope it will improve the health of mother and baby and, in the longer term, reduce infant deaths.

Doulas are experienced women who are trained to provide emotional and practical support to mothers-to-be and their partners, in later stages of pregnancy, through childbirth and in the immediate postnatal period.

They do not replace a midwife but are an additional support to a women. Doulas also advise on nutrition, exercise, smoking and other lifestyle choices which influence the health of the family.

ABL is looking to recruit women from, and based in, the local community, to become volunteer doulas. At a recent open day 12 women came forward to express an interest.

ABL will be working in partnership with the Goodwin Doulas in Hull who have achieved national recognition for their work.

They will help ABL train the first group of volunteers and support the development and implementation of policies and procedures.

In Hull where the volunteer doula scheme has been running since 2005, a significant number of doulas have progressed to midwifery training and qualification.

“Our volunteer doula scheme will make a real difference to the community and not just by improving women’s birth experience and their health and that of their babies,” said Jenny Pupius, chief executive of Action for Business Ltd.

Women wishing to find out more, should call Shakeela on (01274) 223201 or Aliya on (01274) 223222.