Croydon University Hospital and Children’s Universal Services have jointly celebrated achieving Stage 1 in the process of becoming accredited as a ‘UNICEF Baby Friendly Hospital’ and a ‘UNICEF Baby Friendly Community’ at an event at Croydon University Hospital.
The event which was one of many taking place to mark National Breastfeeding Week 2012, was also attended by the Mayor of Croydon, Councillor Eddy Arram and Mayoress Mrs Judith Arram.
The UNICEF Baby Friendly Initiative is working with Croydon Health Services to ensure a high standard of care in relation to infant feeding for pregnant women and mothers and babies - the aim is to ensure that mothers in Croydon receive the support information and encouragement they need to both start and continue breastfeeding.
The award reflects the Trust’s commitment in supporting breast feeding in the hospital by giving new mothers information, advice and support both before and after they have given birth. This work is then further supported in the community where the breastfeeding team runs daily Baby Cafes and also trains “peer supporters” who can offer individual support. All these initiatives support and complement successful achievement of full “Baby Friendly” status.
Breastfeeding reduces the risk of babies becoming ill. It is also associated with a reduced risk of later childhood disease and also protects the mother’s health.
Melissa Callaghan, Breastfeeding Programme Lead in Croydon says ‘We’re working really hard to ensure that all pregnant women and new mums in Croydon get consistent evidence-based information and help with breastfeeding their babies, when they need it. UNICEF Baby Friendly is about supporting a mum’s informed choice, however she chooses to feed her baby”.
Katy Reed, a peer supporter who also attended the event (pictured above) said: “It’s great news that they’ve achieved this. I wouldn’t have been able to breastfeed without the support and advice provided by the baby cafes in Croydon. I’m completing my peer supporter training next week and I’m looking forward to helping others to breastfeed and providing them with any support and guidance they need.”
For more information about help and support in Croydon please visit:
http://www.croydonhealthservices.nhs.uk/services/Breastfeeding_support
Or call the Breastfeeding Team on 020 8714 2985
More information on CHS events for National Breastfeeding Week will be on our website soon. www.croydonhealthservices.nhs.uk
Photo captions:
- Sharon Jones, Director of Health and Wellbeing, receives the Baby Friendly award from Mayor of Croydon Eddy Arram (L-R Melissa Callaghan, Breastfeeding lead, Sharon Jones, Director, Mayor of Croydon)
- Katy Reed, peer supporter, with baby James at the launch
