Health visitors achieve Baby Friendly Award

Ian Trodden, Pennine Care’s Executive Director of Nursing (acting); Val Rimmer, Pennine Care’s Infant Feeding Co-ordinator for the Rochdale Borough; Alison Smith, Integrated Children’s Centre Manager for the Moorhouse/Newbold Cluster; Councillor Donna Martin, Cabinet Member for Children, Schools and Families

Health visitors from Pennine Care NHS Foundation Trust the Baby Friendly Award.

Baby Friendly was established by UNICEF and the World Health Organisation and requires health professionals to meet a set of required standards, particularly around breastfeeding. This includes ensuring all health visitors are trained to offer breastfeeding support and that breastfeeding-friendly facilities are available across the area.

Since implementing the Baby Friendly initiative in Rochdale, the percentage of mums who breastfeed their baby at six to eight weeks has increased from 29 per cent in 2009 to 43 per cent in 2013.

Baby Friendly acknowledges that it’s just as important that mums who choose not to breastfeed, or are unable to do so, receive the support they need to ensure early bonding and attachment. 

Val Rimmer, Pennine Care’s Infant Feeding Co-ordinator for the Rochdale Borough, said: “After several years of hard work, we’re delighted to have achieved Baby Friendly status. We want to support new mums to give their baby the very best start in life, and this award publically demonstrates our commitment to this.

"We know that not everyone finds breastfeeding easy, but the majority of women can overcome any problems with early support from a trained health professional. Women who choose not to breastfeed, or are unable to do so, can also be reassured that they will be fully supported." 

Work will now continue to further improve the support that is on offer for parents, with the aim of achieving the next stages of Baby Friendly – advanced status, followed by beacon status.

Parents who would like advice and support around feeding their baby should speak to their health visitor in the first instance. Alternatively they can contact Val Rimmer on 01706 764734.