MATERNITY teams across Hampshire have been honoured for their work in caring for mothers, families, and parents, particularly in the first few days and weeks.

Services across Southampton, Hampshire, Isle of Wight and Portsmouth (SHIP) have earned the Stage 2 accreditation from UNICEF's Baby Friendly Initiative.

The Baby Friendly Initiative is an extension of a broader worldwide partnership between the WHO and UNICEF, geared towards ensuring mothers and babies receive high-quality support.

The recognition coincides with the Breastfeeding Awareness Week, which runs from August 1-7. 

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UNICEF carry out an audit with the teams to ensure that mothers and babies are receiving high-quality support.

There is a focus on breastfeeding and promoting the benefits of breastmilk and more than 90 per cent of maternity and neonatal staff across our area have received training to support women and people with their breastfeeding journey.

Margaret Beattie, associate director of maternity and early years at NHS Hampshire and Isle of Wight said: "We are very proud of this achievement and the accreditation shows how hard the teams have been working with our new mothers and families to ensure babies are feeding well.

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"We work with our families and provide support to allow them to feed their babies in the best way possible that suits their needs, whether that is breastfeeding or using breastmilk alternatives such as formulas.

"Being recognised with this accreditation from UNICEF is so important for us and we continue to embed these standards of care throughout our teams."

Recent data indicate that despite a growing number of women initiating breastfeeding, the continuation rates remain low.

To counter this, various breastfeeding support services are available across Hampshire and the Isle of Wight, including the GOLD accredited Health Visiting Service from the Southern Health NHS Foundation Trust.

For more about breastfeeding groups, visit hampshirehealthyfamilies.org.uk/breastfeeding.