Breastfeeding rates increase in North and West Belfast

Mums and babies in North and West Belfast are getting gold star treatment and that’s official. Next week (Tuesday May 15), as part of Breastfeeding Awareness Week, four local SureStart groups will receive certificates of commitment to the UNICEF Baby Friendly Initiative at a special ceremony in Belfast Castle.

Baby Friendly Breastfeeding Co-ordinator for Northern Ireland, Janet Calvert, will present certificates to Clan Mor SureStart, Glenbrook SureStart, Shankill SureStart and Smile SureStart for their commitment to increase breastfeeding rates and improve care for local mothers.

In the last four years the number of mothers leaving hospital breastfeeding has increased from 21% to 24% which is a great achievement. ‘We are delighted that SureStart has received this award’ said Baby Friendly Initiative Programme Director Sue Ashmore. ‘While surveys show that most mothers want to breastfeed but don’t always get the support they need, mothers at SureStart in North and West Belfast have the satisfaction of knowing that we aim to provide them and their babies with the highest standard of care.’

Breastfeeding protects babies against a wide range of serious illness including gastroenteritis and respiratory infections in infancy, as well as allergies and diabetes in childhood. It also reduces the mother’s risk of some cancers, as well as being easier, cheaper and less hassle than bottle feeding.

Notes
The presentation will take place at Belfast Castle on Tuesday May 15 at 10.00am.

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 to mothers and babies. The initiatives works with health professionals to ensure that mothers and babies receives high-quality support to enable successful breastfeeding.

The certificate of commitment recognises that a health care facility is dedicated to implementing recognised best practice standards. It has previously been awarded to the Mater Hospital and the Royal Jubilee Maternity Service.

SureStart groups provide an outreach and home visiting service to make contact as early as possible in a child’s life to encourage the family to use the various community and healthcare services available including parenting information and social support.

For further information please contact:
The Belfast Trust Media Office on 028 9096 0096
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