Our Family Hubs have been praised for their commitment to championing breastfeeding and improving care for all mothers.
The county’s network of hubs has received the global UNICEF UK Baby Friendly award - including a “100% happiness and kindness rating” - after passing its stage three assessment.
The Baby Friendly Initiative is a global programme which aims to transform healthcare for babies, their mothers and families as part of a wider global partnership between UNICEF and the World Health Organization (WHO).
In the UK, the Baby Friendly Initiative works with public services to better support families with feeding and developing close, loving relationships in order to ensure that all babies get the best possible start in life.
The assessment report said: “Northumberland Family Hubs have met all of the criteria relating to Baby Friendly accreditation and the staff are commended for the efforts made. It was clear to the assessment team that information and support for pregnant women and new mothers is of a very high standard.
“It is testament to all staff involved, that mothers reported a 100% happiness and kindness rating when attending and communicating with the staff and service.
“We were shown some amazing environments that reflect Baby Friendly standards, and of which every opportunity had been thought through to ensure families felt welcomed to breastfeed.”
We are very proud that Northumberland’s Family Hubs have achieved full Baby Friendly status.
This means mothers in Northumberland can be confident that they will receive high standards of care and support to give their children the best start in life.
In Northumberland, we want to ensure that breastfeeding mothers are made to feel welcome wherever they may be. Our Breastfeeding Friendly scheme also encourages hospitality businesses and venues across the county to register for the scheme and show support to breastfeeding mothers so they feel comfortable feeding their babies anytime, anywhere.
Amy Berry is the Family Hubs designated infant feeding coordinator. She said: “Breastfeeding protects babies against a wide range of serious illnesses, including gastroenteritis and respiratory infections in infancy, as well as cardiovascular disease, asthma, diabetes and obesity later in life.
“We also know that breastfeeding reduces the mother’s risk of some cancers and that it supports the mental health of both mother and baby.
“In Northumberland’s Family Hubs, we set out to make sure that all mothers and babies are supported to form a close and loving relationship – whatever their choice of feeding method – as this is the best start for every baby.”
Sam Weston, attends the infant feeding drop-in sessions at Bedlington Family Hub with 11-week-old son Daniel James, known as DJ.
The sessions are delivered by the Growing Healthy Northumberland infant feeding team and offer new parents the chance to access expert support and advice.
She said: “We come every week and it’s been really good. You can get advice or sometimes we just sit and chat while we’re feeding about other things too like the sleepless nights. It’s great to know the support is there.”
Mum-of-two, Esther Huss, also joins the sessions with son Cosmo. She said: “Breastfeeding was something that was important to me and I wanted to do. But I was really struggling at first.
“I came along to the Family Hub and they have been fantastic and just so supportive, providing lots of reassurance. It meant so much to me and I love coming here, it feels like a family.”
