Airedale health workers have been given new guidelines to support women who breastfeed.

The third edition of a good-practices policy document, first published seven years ago, was officially launched last Friday.

The aim of the booklet is to ensure that health professionals working within Airedale NHS Trust can provide accurate, consistent, research-based advice.

The revised document has been produced by a working group drawn from various professional backgrounds - including midwives, health visitors, paediatricians and neonatal nurses - and from lay organisations.

Its introduction forms one of ten steps hospitals take towards earning a certificate of commitment from the UK Baby Friendly Initiative, whose role is to promote and support breastfeeding.

Carol Paeglis, a practice development nurse/midwife, says: "The benefits to mothers and babies of women breastfeeding are well documented. The first edition of this policy document was launched in 1991, and the second edition in 1994. It has now become more heavily research-based."

Last Friday's launch was attended by around 50 people including health professionals and members of lay groups.

It was chaired by Denise Arnott, director of inter-agency liaison with Airedale NHS Trust.

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