NHS Blackburn with Darwen Care Trust Plus and children’s centres across the borough have been awarded the prestigious Baby Friendly Award.
The Baby Friendly Initiative, set up by UNICEF and the World Health Organisation, is a global programme which provides a practical and effective way for health services to improve the care provided for all mothers and babies.
Dominic Harrison, Joint Director of Public Health, said: “We decided to join forces with UNICEF UK's Baby Friendly Initiative to increase breastfeeding rates and to improve care for all mothers in Blackburn with Darwen
“Breastfeeding protects babies against a wide range of serious illnesses including gastroenteritis and respiratory infections in infancy as well as allergies and diabetes in childhood.”
The Award is given to health and community facilities after an assessment by a UNICEF team has shown that recognised best practice standards are in place.
Sue Ashmore, Baby Friendly Initiative Programme Director, said: “Surveys show us that most mothers want to breastfeed but don’t always get the support they need. Mothers in Blackburn with Darwen can be confident that their midwives, health visitors, GP’s and Children’s Centre staff will provide the highest standard of care.”
For more information please see: www.babyfriendly.org.uk
