Breastfeeding support is of an officially high standard

South Warwickshire NHS Foundation Trust has successfully completed stage one of the Unicef Baby Friendly Initiative, both in the hospital and community setting. The award acknowledges that the trust has internationally recognised standards of care for supporting new mothers and pregnant women with their chosen methods of feeding their baby.

Among the outcomes the trust was able to show was that it promotes and protects breastfeeding. Research shows that breastfeeding will reduce the risk of babies developing ear and chest infections, gastroenteritis, urinary tract infections, obesity, diabetes and some childhood cancers. It is also shown to have positive health effects on the mother.

Wendy Jones, head of midwifery at Warwick Hospital, said: “It is important that all mothers are fully and appropriately supported with their decisions around feeding their child. Achieving stage one accreditation shows how committed we are to providing the very best of care. It is a great achievement for the trust and I know the teams are looking forward to achieving the next stage.”