Robert Gordon University’s (RGU) Midwifery staff and students have become one of the first in Scotland to be recognised by UNICEF for their work to encourage and support breastfeeding.
The Midwifery team, based at RGU’s Faculty of Health and Social Care in Garthdee, has successfully gained the UNICEF Baby Friendly Accreditation for its Bachelor of Midwifery course.
The Baby Friendly Initiative is a worldwide programme by the World Health Organisation and UNICEF which aims to improve standards of care for breastfeeding within healthcare settings.
In the UK, the Baby Friendly Initiative works with public services to protect, promote and support breastfeeding and to strengthen mother-baby and family relationships.
Liz Treasure, Midwifery lecturer at RGU, worked with colleagues in the team and final year students during the accreditation process.
She said: “We are delighted to have gained UNICEF Baby Friendly Accreditation for our Bachelor of Midwifery course. The recognition means that all of our students are equipped with the knowledge and skills needed to support women to feed their babies.
“Encouraging and supporting breastfeeding is recognised as an important public health activity, with good evidence that breastfeeding in infancy has a protective effect against many childhood illnesses.
“The Scottish Government recognises that breastfeeding rates in Scotland are low and is keen to support mothers who choose to breastfeed. We are proud to play a leading role in this vital work.”
The accreditation process for the initiative looks at a number of evidence based standards which maternity, neonatal, health visiting and family centre services are assessed against.
There are also recognised standards available to help educational programmes develop health professionals with the knowledge and skills to support women in their feeding choices.
For more information on UNICEF’s Baby Friendly Initiative, please visit: www.unicef.org.uk/BabyFriendly/Health-Professionals/going-baby-friendly/