Breast is best theory wins recognition

TUESDAY MAY 23.

Alexandra Hospital has been rated Baby Friendly by UNICEF.

Its maternity department is one of 69 in the country to receive the UK Baby Friendly Initiative Certificate of Commitment from the international children's welfare organisation in recognition of its successful support for breastfeeding mothers.

Health experts say breastfeeding offers the healthiest start to a baby's life, yet the UK has one of the lowest rates in the whole of Europe.

The hospital's breastfeeding coordinator Chris Argent said: 'With the right advice and encouragement mothers can start to learn about the benefits of breastfeeding.'

The hospital used National Breastfeeding Awareness Week, which ended on Monday, to ensure women knew about the benefits of natural feeding.

Those benefits include a lower risk of gastro-intestinal, respiratory, urinary tract and ear infections, less likelihood of developing allergic diseases and the prevention of some forms of diabetes.

Mrs Argent said: 'We are now providing practical training for management of breastfeeding for all of our midwives and district nurses working in our communities.

'By encouraging breastfeeding we are making the world more welcoming for our new arrivals.'