UNICEF award for Ninewells Hospital's maternity care
Ninewells Hospital has been awarded the prestigious UNICEF Baby Friendly Award for the standard of care given to women during and after pregnancy.
- Published in the Courier : 31.01.12
- Published online : 31.01.12 @ 08.42am
The Baby Friendly Initiative is a worldwide programme of the World Health Organisation (WHO) and UNICEF. It was established in 1992 to encourage maternity hospitals to implement the Ten Steps to successful Breastfeeding standard and to practice in accordance with the International Code of Marketing of Breastmilk Substitutes.
NHS Tayside head of midwifery Kay Forsyth said: ''We decided to join forces with UNICEF UK's Baby Friendly Initiative to increase breastfeeding rates and to improve care for all mothers at Ninewells.
''Breastfeeding protects babies against a wide range of serious illnesses including gastroenteritis and respiratory infections in infancy, as well as allergies and diabetes in childhood. We also know that breastfeeding reduces the mother's risk of some cancers and it is easier, cheaper and simply less hassle than bottle feeding.''
Mothers who access the services at Ninewells benefit from having additional support from volunteers. Among the staff in the maternity unit are breastfeeding champions who help to ensure that practice standards are complied with.
Kay added: ''There has been significant evidence to show that breastfeeding has important health advantages for both infant and mother. Breastfeeding takes time and has to be learned. Having the right kind of support and encouragement is vital to ensure success.''
04.22am - 01.02.2012 PerthKiwi - Wellington, New Zealand Report This
Its not all about the hard sell to breastfeed. 6 years ago after being induced on the ward some hours before, the midwives were so busy seeing to the new BF mums they failed to notice my son was on his way out and there was no time to get me to delivery suite.
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