The UK Baby Friendly Initiative is based on a global accreditation programme of UNICEF and the World Health Organisation. Designed to support breastfeeding and parent infant relationships by working with public services to improve standards of care, CHFT became the first accredited Baby Friendly hospital in the region in 2002.

The re-accreditation report said “The staff at Calderdale and Huddersfield Foundation Trust are commended for their hard work over the last two years in continuing to support mothers. It was very clear to the assessors that supporting the implementation of the Baby Friendly standards is a high priority within the unit and support for the project from all levels of management was evident”.

CHFT provide two free of charge drop-in Baby Cafés each week run by skilled facilitators with the help of volunteers and peer supporters.  The cafés are designed to provide both social support and expert help to mothers with breastfeeding questions or concerns.

Attended by a qualified midwife/lactation consultant from the Trust, they are held in an informal café style environment, with refreshments, comfortable seating and play areas for accompanying children. More information can be found at: http://www.thebabycafe.org.uk/your-nearest-baby-cafe.html

Breastfeeding is important as it can reduce the risk of babies becoming ill and is also associated with a reduced risk of later childhood disease whilst protecting the mother’s health.

Read more about the Baby Friendly Initiative here: http://www.unicef.org.uk/BabyFriendly/About-Baby-Friendly/What-is-the-Baby-Friendly-Initiative/