Bradford is officially on its way to becoming a ‘baby friendly’ district.

The district has been awarded a certificate of commitment from UNICEF for its work to increase breastfeeding rates and improve care for mothers.

A district-wide project is underway which aims to improve infant nutrition, reduce infant mortality and improve the lives of babies.

Health chiefs say babies who are breastfed have better health, including less heart disease, stomach upsets, urine and ear infections, eczema and childhood diabetes. Amanda Fletcher, public health consultant for NHS Bradford and Airedale, said: “We want to provide outstanding services to mums in the district.

“It’s fantastic to receive this certificate. It marks our real commitment to carry on achieving high standards and to receiving full accreditation as a baby friendly organisation throughout the district.We want mums in the district to know the importance of breastfeeding and that there is the right help and support for them during this time, should they need it.”

The district’s project aims to put into practice the UNICEF steps to successful breastfeeding which includes letting all pregnant mothers know about the benefits of breastfeeding, training healthcare staff in skills needed to provide a high standard of service and encouraging breastfeeding on demand.

  • Read the full story in Monday's T&A