Health staff recognised for baby friendly achievement

Date published: 09/02/2010

Health staff from NHS Heywood, Middleton and Rochdale Community Healthcare have been recognised for their commitment towards the UNICEF baby friendly initiative in the borough to promote breastfeeding.

Health visitors and children’s community nurses joined health staff from other local organisations to complete the UNICEF breastfeeding management course, which gives health staff the skills they need to provide a high standard of care for breastfeeding mothers and their babies.

Val Rimmer, infant co-ordinator in the borough, said: “Breastfeeding can protect babies against a wide range of illnesses including tummy upset and respiratory and ear infections, as well as childhood obesity and its associated diseases like heart disease. It is also recognised that breastfeeding can reduce the mother’s risk of developing breast cancer, ovarian cancer, osteoporosis and postnatal depression.

“Breastfeeding is easier, cheaper and less hassle than bottle feeding,” explained Val, “so it’s important that we have highly qualified health staff who can give new mums in the community the support they need to breastfeed.”

The Baby Friendly Initiative is a worldwide programme and works with the healthcare system to ensure a high standard of care for pregnant women and breastfeeding mothers and babies. It provides support for healthcare organisations that are seeking to implement best practice, and offers an assessment and accreditation process that recognises those that have achieved the required standard.

NHS HMR was awarded the UNICEF Certificate of Commitment last year in its first steps towards a baby friendly borough.