Universities awarded for breastfeeding training

Two universities have been recognised this month for their high levels of breastfeeding training for student midwives by the UNICEF Baby Friendly initiative.

The University of West of England (UWE), in Bristol, and Birmingham City University (BCU) have both received certificates of commitment, which recognise that they are dedicated to implementing best practice standards in breastfeeding training, and that they are part way to full Baby Friendly Accreditation.

UWE received its certificate today (29 July), and BCU on 18 July.

UNICEF’s Baby Friendly University Award was launched in the UK in 2008 – the first such award in the world – to ensure high levels of training in breastfeeding are incorporated in midwifery and training courses.

‘We decided to work with the Baby Friendly Initiative to ensure a high standard of training in breastfeeding for all student midwives graduating from this course. We are delighted to be working closely together with our practice partners across all the trusts in the acute and primary sectors of Birmingham city, since they are also working towards accreditation,’ said Rosalind Weston, senior lecturer in midwifery at BCU.