Inverclyde maintains gold standard for infant feeding
Inverclyde's infant feeding and health visiting team have been praised for maintaining high standards in supporting babies and their parents.
The team has renewed its Gold Standard from UNICEF UK Baby Friendly Initiative, a worldwide programme of the World Health Organization and UNICEF which protects, promotes and supports breastfeeding and strengthens mother-baby and family relationships.
Across Inverclyde, breastfeeding rates are increasing with over 30 per cent of babies now receiving some breast milk at six weeks.
The report highlighted the excellent comments from staff and clients as well as the overall culture within Inverclyde of promoting, supporting and protecting breastfeeding.
Councillor Francesca Brennan, chair of the Social Work and Social Care Scrutiny Panel and member of the Integrated Joint Board which oversees the work of Inverclyde Health and Social Care Partnership, welcomed the award.
She said: “Congratulations and thanks to all the team involved in this important work.
We know the difference breastfeeding can make to mums and babies and it’s important that the right support is there to help mothers who wish to and are able to breastfeed.
“It’s great to see we’ve maintained our high standards with this renewal of the Gold Standard.”
The World Health Organisation (WHO) and UNICEF recommend that all babies initiate breastfeeding within the first hour of birth and be exclusively breastfed for the first 6 months, continuing after solids are introduced to two years and beyond for maximum benefits. Breastfeeding protects babies against infectious and chronic diseases.
Women who breastfeed also have a reduced risk of breast and ovarian cancers.
The Infant feeding team provide one-to-one support antenatally and immediately postnatally and can be contacted on 07773 086 609. A weekly breastfeeding support group takes place at the Waterwheel in Port Glasgow on Tuesdays from 11am till 12.30pm.
For more information on breastfeeding, go to Parent Club Starting to breastfeed | Parent Club or to find out how you or your workplace can support breastfeeding in Inverclyde, contact Inverclyde Infant Feeding coordinator Catriona MacLean at Catriona.maclean@nhs.scot