The outstanding work of Plymouth children’s centres has been acknowledged for the second year in a row by UNICEF for their work in supporting breastfeeding mothers in Plymouth.
Plymouth’s children’s centres have achieved the ‘Stage 2’ status of UNICEF’s Baby Friendly Initiative following a rigorous two day assessment where staff were interviewed on their knowledge and skills on infant feeding
As part of the accreditation process additional training has been delivered to children’s centre staff and means that they can provide the best possible help and advice.
This follows a Certificate of Commitment awarded last year with partners Barnardo’s, Action for Children and Lark.
Their work ensures that no matter which organisation runs the centre, where in the city it is, or who parents speak to, everyone will receive the same level of support.
Councillor Jemima Laing, Cabinet Member for Children and Young People said: “Increasing our breastfeeding rates in the city is incredibly important work for the health of mothers and babies in Plymouth.
“This recognition of the hard work of our children’s centres is very well deserved, thank you to all of our dedicated staff.”
Ruth Harrell, Director of Public Health at Plymouth City Council said: “Whilst we know that successful breastfeeding and supporting mothers to achieve this has a significant effect on health outcomes, the Baby Friendly Initiative aims to raise standards of care for all babies, regardless of how they are fed.
“Thank you to our partners for working with us to achieve this award, and thank you to our staff for working so hard to deliver fantastic services to parents on our city.”
Further help with breastfeeding is available for families through visiting the Plymouth Latch On Facebook Page.