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International recognition for baby-friendly maternity unit at North Mid

North Middlesex University Hospital NHS Trust has been awarded the prestigious Baby Friendly Award and is the latest UK health care facility to win international recognition from Unicef (United Nation’s Children’s Fund). 

The Baby Friendly Initiative, set up by Unicef and the World Health Organisation, is a global programme which provides a practical and effective way for health services to improve the care provided for all mothers and babies. In the UK, the initiative works with UK public services to protect, promote, and support breastfeeding and to strengthen mother-baby and family relationships. Support for these relationships is important for all babies, not only those who are breastfed. The Award is given to hospitals after an assessment by a Unicef team has shown that the best practice standards are in place.

 “We decided to join forces with Unicef UK's Baby Friendly Initiative to increase breastfeeding rates and to improve care for all mothers at North Middlesex University Hospital”, said associate director of midwifery, Nicole Callender. North Mid’s maternity service provides care to over 5,000 women and helps deliver over 4,500 babies a year.

"Breastfeeding protects babies against a wide range of serious illnesses including gastroenteritis and respiratory infections in infancy as well as asthma, cardiovascular disease and diabetes in later life. We also know that breastfeeding reduces the mother’s risk of some cancers – although mums might be more interested in hearing that it is easier, cheaper and simply less hassle than formula feeding,” added Nicole Callender. 

“But however a mother chooses to feed her baby, she can be sure that she will be supported to form a strong loving relationship with her newborn – through having maximum skin to skin contact and understanding how her baby communicates with her and needs her to respond.”

Maria Kane, Chief Executive of North Middlesex University Hospital, said: “I’m thrilled that our maternity team has received this international recognition. It’s a testament to the commitment, compassion and care they provide women in north London and is a real boost for the team.”

"We are delighted that North Middlesex University has achieved full Baby Friendly status," said Baby Friendly Initiative programme director, Sue Ashmore. “Surveys show us that most mothers want to breastfeed but don’t always get the support they need. Mothers at North Middlesex University Hospital can be confident that their team of midwives, neonatologists and support staff will provide high standards of care.”

North Mid’s maternity service offers modern, state-of-the-art facilities to expectant mothers and their families. The service has been rated as ‘Good’ by the Care Quality Commission, the regulator for health and social care services in England.

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