Unicef praise for Right Start scheme

PRAISED . . . The breastfeeding support group at Shaw and Crompton Children's Centre

INTERNATIONAL recognition has been given to a children's and young person's healthcare service in Oldham.

Right Start Oldham was praised by United Nation's Children's Fund (Unicef) for increasing breastfeeding rates and helping to improve care for mothers.

The Baby Friendly Award was given to Bridgewater Community Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust, which provides school nursing, health visits, oral health and support for young mothers on behalf of Oldham Council.

Jo Mayall, Bridgewater's infant feeding specialist for Right Start, said: "The team is extremely proud of this achievement.

"Breastfeeding protects babies against a wide range of serious illnesses including gastroenteritis and respiratory infections in infancy as well as asthma, cardiovascular disease and diabetes in later life.

"It also reduces the mother's risk of some cancers, and is easier, cheaper and less hassle than bottle feeding.

"However, we are committed to supporting all mothers, regardless of how they choose to feed their babies, by helping them to form a strong, loving relationship with their newborn through having maximum skin-to-skin contact and understanding how their baby communicates with them."

The Baby Friendly Initiative, set up by Unicef and the World Health Organisation, recognises best practice in protecting, promoting and supporting breastfeeding as well as strengthening mother-baby and family relationships.

Programme director Sue Ashmore said: "Mothers in Oldham can be confident their health visitors, community nursery nurses, children centre staff and partners will provide high standards of care."

Councillor Eddie Moores, cabinet member for health and wellbeing, said: "This recognition comes as we celebrate a year of working with Bridgewater.The Council is working to support more mothers to breastfeed through funding services such as Right Start Oldham and by encouraging venues, such as cafes and shops, to welcome breastfeeding."