Hartlepool Borough Council earns certificate from UNICEF UK Baby Friendly Initiative
"This award from the UNICEF UK Baby Friendly Initiative is a reflection of our ongoing commitment to increase breastfeeding rates and improve care for all mothers at Hartlepool Borough Council,” said Lisa Adams, Head of service.
"Breastfeeding protects babies against a wide range of serious illnesses, including gastroenteritis and respiratory infections in infancy, as well as cardiovascular disease, asthma, diabetes and obesity later in life. We also know that breastfeeding reduces the mother’s risk of some cancers, and that it supports the mental health of both mother and baby,” added Michelle Readhead, Specialist nurse infant feeding and healthy weight.
“At Hartlepool Borough Council we set out to ensure that all mothers and babies are supported to form a close and loving relationship – whatever their choice of feeding method – as this is the best start for every baby.”
The Baby Friendly Initiative is a global programme which aims to transform healthcare for babies, their mothers and families as part of a wider global partnership between UNICEF and the World Health Organization (WHO). In the UK, the Baby Friendly Initiative works with public services to better support families with feeding and developing close, loving relationships in order to ensure that all babies get the best possible start in life. The Certificate of Commitment recognises that a health care facility is dedicated to implementing recognised best practice standards.
"We are delighted that Hartlepool Borough Council has received this award,” said UNICEF UK Baby Friendly Initiative Deputy Programme Director Anne Woods. “Our work to support breastfeeding is based on extensive and resounding evidence that breastfeeding saves lives, improves health and cuts costs in every country worldwide, rich and poor alike. Mothers at Hartlepool Borough Council have the satisfaction of knowing that their health visitors are aiming to provide the highest standard of care.”
Want to start your breastfeeding journey or want face-to-face ongoing support throughout this journey? Get in touch with our Hartlepool Family Hubs and ask for our Infant Feeding Team, who provide sensitive and effective support, run breastfeeding and feeding groups, facilitate peer support groups, aid with complex feeding issues and much more.