Baby-Friendly commitment at Norfolk and Norwich University Hospital

The Norfolk and Norwich University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust (NNUH) has been awarded UNICEF Baby Friendly stage two accreditation, the only hospital in Norfolk and Suffolk to have reached stage two.

The UNICEF UK Baby Friendly Initiative provides a framework for the implementation of best practice by NHS Trusts in order to improve breastfeeding rates and raise the quality of care received by mothers.

Accreditation takes place in three stages. Stage one was awarded to the NNUH in 2011 and on 7th November 2013 stage two assessed the staff education programme by interviewing a wide range of staff. The pass rate is 80% – NNUH staff scored an impressive 97%.

The assessment is a rigorous procedure undertaken by external assessors and a pass at stage two means we are working to improve the way that we care for mothers and babies and making changes where necessary.

Luisa Lyons, Infant Feeding Co-ordinator at the NNUH said: “My jobshare partner Katie Phillips and I am absolutely delighted that we have been awarded stage two accreditation. This is a particularly impressive result for a big, busy hospital and we want to thank everyone involved for their support and commitment. The Trust is now aiming for stage three, full Baby Friendly accreditation, in Spring 2015.”

Glynis Moore, Head of Midwifery at the NNUH said: “Our breastfeeding rates have increased and our staff knowledge and expertise is now greater. Achieving stage two accreditation demonstrates how committed our staff are to improving infant feeding, for the benefit of the women and babies in our care.”

The hospital is also keen to improve support and care for women who formula feed for whatever reason.
Luisa added: “We believe every single mother and baby has the right to enjoy a fulfilling and positive feeding experience. We appreciate that there are rare cases when women cannot breastfeed, and that some mums make an informed choice not to breastfeed.”

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 health professionals 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.