Gloucestershire Hospitals Foundation Trust earns certificate from baby friendly
Gloucestershire Hospitals Foundation Trust’s Neonatal Unit has been awarded a Certificate of Commitment in its first step towards gaining recognition from the UK Committee for UNICEF (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 the Neonatal Unit at the Trust),” said Rachel Bray, Specialist Neonatal Infant Feeding Nurse.
"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 Rachel.
“At Gloucestershire Hospitals Foundation Trust, 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 Gloucestershire Hospitals Foundation Trust Neonatal Unit 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 in Gloucestershire have the satisfaction of knowing that their neonatal unit is aiming to provide the highest standard of care.”
About UNICEF UK
The United Kingdom Committee for UNICEF (UNICEF UK) is a registered charity that raises funds for UNICEF’s emergency and development work around the world and advocates for lasting change for children worldwide. This includes, for example, working to change UK Government policies and practices that are harmful to child rights in the UK and internationally. UNICEF UK is one of 33 UNICEF national charitable organisations based in industrialised countries.