THE UNIVERSITY of Worcester has been recognised for the quality breastfeeding training provided to its midwifery students.
In a major step towards gaining international recognition from the Unicef UK Baby Friendly Initiative, the university has received the Stage 1 Award.
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.
Toni Martin, lead midwife for education, programme lead for the BSc Midwifery Programme, said: “We decided to work with the Baby Friendly Initiative to ensure a high standard of training in breastfeeding for all student midwives graduating from this course.
“We know that many women give up breastfeeding before they want to because of difficulties which could have been prevented if skilled help had been on hand. By ensuring that our students are fully trained in how to help a mother breastfeed her child, more women will be able to breastfeed their babies for longer.”
Launched in the UK in 2008, the Baby Friendly University Award ensures high levels of training in breastfeeding are incorporated in midwifery and health visitor training courses.
Sue Ashmore, baby friendly initiative programme director, said: “Surveys show us that most mothers want to breastfeed but don’t always get the support they need.
“Working towards full Baby Friendly Accreditation means that the university is addressing this problem and aiming to ensure more mothers can successfully breastfeed their babies in future.”
