Maternity services across the Isle of Wight are celebrating after being awarded Stage 2 accreditation from UNICEF’s Baby Friendly Initiative.
The accreditation shows how hard the teams have worked in caring for mothers, families, and parents, particularly in the first few days and weeks.
There is a focus on breastfeeding and promoting the benefits of breastmilk and more than 90% of maternity and neonatal staff across our area have received training to support women and people with their breastfeeding journey.
UNICEF carry out an audit with the teams to ensure that mothers and babies are receiving high-quality support. The Baby Friendly Initiative is part of a wider global partnership between the WHO and UNICEF.
This week is Breastfeeding Awareness Week and the theme for 2024 is Closing the gap: Breastfeeding support for all.
The benefits of breastfeeding for the health and wellbeing of women and babies are now widely known, and more women are starting to breastfeed. However, while there has been an increase in initiation rates, continuation rates remain low.
Margaret Beattie, Associate Director of Maternity and Early Years at NHS Hampshire and Isle of Wight said:
“We are very proud of this achievement and the accreditation shows how hard the teams have been working with our new mothers and families to ensure babies are feeding well.
“We work with our families and provide support to allow them to feed their babies in the best way possible that suits their needs, whether that is breastfeeding or using breastmilk alternatives such as formulas.
“Being recognised with this accreditation from UNICEF is so important for us and we continue to embed these standards of care throughout our teams.”
There are a number of breastfeeding support services available across Hampshire and the Isle of Wight including Southern Health NHS Foundation Trust’s GOLD accredited Health Visiting Service. Further information and details of breastfeeding groups near you can be found here: https://www.hampshirehealthyfamilies.org.uk/breastfeeding
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