It will be given the
Baby Friendly Initiative (BFI) University Award following a UNICEF BFI assessment of second year students in September.
The assessors praised their ‘enthusiasm and motivation’ and said ‘it was clear from conversations during the interviews that the students were putting their knowledge and skills into practice on a regular basis’.
Professor Paul Lewis, associate dean of midwifery, said: ‘The team have worked diligently and consistently to ensure that student midwives are appropriately educated and have the knowledge, skills and competencies to give information, advice and support to mothers about infant feeding.
‘They know that breastfeeding provides significant health benefits to mothers, babies and our wider society.
‘Breastfeeding protects babies against a wide range of serious illnesses including gastroenteritis and respiratory infections in infancy as well as allergies and diabetes in childhood.
‘We also know that breastfeeding reduces the mother’s risk of some cancers – although mums might be more interested in hearing that it’s easier, cheaper and simply less hassle than bottle feeding.’
The Baby Friendly Initiative is a scheme that was set up in 2008 by UNICEF and The World Health Organisation.
It aims to make health services more efficient and effective in the care provided for mothers and their babies.
The award will be presented to staff and students in December.
