NHS Blackburn with Darwen Care Trust Plus and children’s centres across the borough have been awarded the prestigious Baby Friendly Award and is the latest UK health care facility to win international recognition from UNICEF (United Nation’s Children’s Fund).
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.
“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,” said Dominic Harrison, Joint Director of Public Health.
“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. We also know that breastfeeding reduces the mother’s risk of some cancers – although mums might be more interested in hearing that it is easier, cheaper and simply less hassle than bottle feeding,”
In the UK, the initiative works with health professionals to ensure that mothers and babies receive high-quality support to enable successful breastfeeding.
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.
“We are delighted that NHS Blackburn with Darwen Care Trust Plus and Children’s Centre’s have achieved full Baby Friendly status," said Baby Friendly Initiative Programme Director, Sue Ashmore. “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.”
Councillor Maureen Bateson, executive member for children’s services added: “It is brilliant news that our children’s centres and the Care Trust Plus have received the Baby Friendly Award.
“As Blackburn with Darwen has one of the youngest populations in the country, this award holds even greater importance for the future care of our borough’s children.”
For more information please see:
www.babyfriendly.org.uk
