Image
The UNICEF (United Nations Children’s Fund) UK Baby Friendly Initiative Gold Award celebrates excellent and sustained practice in supporting infant feeding and strengthening parent-infant relationships. The Gold Award is the highest standard available for services which are accredited as Baby Friendly.
North Somerset Council and Sirona care & health have successfully maintained their Gold status since first being accredited in 2020. Over the past five years, teams have continued to work together on a range of initiatives designed to help parents and families on their infant feeding journey.
In their five-year revalidation report, the assessors noted they were ‘delighted to see the quality of the work that is being implemented and the positive outcomes being achieved as a result’. Assessors also commended ‘the sustained increase in breastfeeding rates at 10-14 days and 6-8 weeks… later data at one and two years is also continuing to rise’.
Cllr Jenna Ho Marris, North Somerset Council’s Cabinet Member for Homes and Health, said: “Congratulations and thank you to all our staff and volunteers who support families across North Somerset on their infant feeding journey – breastfeeding has so many benefits for both mum and baby.
“We are trying to do everything we can to give every child in North Somerset the best possible start in life. This is why our Director of Public Health Matt Lenny was invited to give a keynote speech at the recent UK Baby Friendly Initiative annual conference to share what we've learned.
“We’re incredibly lucky to have such strong infant feeding support available in North Somerset. I breastfed both my children, one for six months and one for six weeks...everyone's different! But I know what a difference it makes to get help early on and have someone to turn to in those first weeks and months when your life (and your body) feel like they're turned upside down.
“Finally, a big thank you to our amazing breastfeeding Peer Supporters and all the local businesses who support the North Somerset Breastfeeding Welcome scheme. There are over 250 venues signed up, from cafes to cinemas! Don't worry – when you’re ready, get out and about with baby!”
Nikki Lawrence, Sirona's Associate Director of Children’s Services, said: “Our public health nursing teams see every day how responsive and connected feeding supports the wellbeing of parents and babies.
“Much of our work is simply being alongside families; listening, offering practical and emotional support and helping parents find what works for them. Maintaining the Gold Award reflects the strong partnerships across North Somerset, where professionals, volunteers and parents are all working together to ensure every baby has a positive and enjoyable feeding experience. We are proud to work alongside our partners to continue offering support to families.”
A Peer Supporter has personal experience of breastfeeding or expressing breastmilk and uses that experience to support and encourage other parents. Carolyn has recently trained as a Peer Supporter with North Somerset Council and said: “With both my boys, the Peer Support groups were a lifeline as allergies and tongue ties meant our feeding journeys weren't smooth sailing.
"I chose to train as a Peer Supporter so I could help other parents on their journey, whether they need help with latching and let downs or if they just want to meet other mums on the same journey.
"In the UK eight out of 10 mums stop breastfeeding before they want to, and Peer Supporters play an important role in helping everyone feel supported in doing what is right for them and their baby."
Peer Supporter volunteers are given full training provided free of charge by North Somerset Council. Babies are welcome to join the training sessions, which run over nine weeks for 2.5 hours a week. The next Peer Supporter volunteer course starts on Wednesday 25 February, to find out more go to https://www.betterhealthns.co.uk/breastfeeding-peer-supporter-training.
For more information about the help and support available with infant feeding in North Somerset, visit the Better Health North Somerset website at www.betterhealthns.co.uk/healthy-families and follow @breastfeedingns on Instagram.