A SUPPORT programme to enable more Clacks mothers to breastfeed is being undertaken at Forth Valley Royal Hospital.

The neonatal unit has been awarded a certificate of commitment in its first step towards gaining international recognition from Unicef UK's Baby Friendly Initiative (BFI).

It is hoped that more mothers and newborns will be able to reap the benefits of breastfeeding as the unit continues to implement "best practice standards".

The BFI is a global programme which provides a practical and effective way for health services to improve the care provided for all mothers and babies.

In the UK, the initiative works with health professionals to ensure that mothers and babies receive high-quality support to enable successful breastfeeding.

Val Sneddon, midwife and joint neonatal unit BFI lead, said "Breastfeeding protects babies against a wide range of serious illnesses including gastroenteritis and respiratory infections in infancy as well as cardiovascular disease, asthma and diabetes later in life. We also know that breastfeeding reduces the mother’s risk of some cancers.”

Sue Ashmore, BFI programme director, added: “Surveys show us that most mothers want to breastfeed but don’t always get the support they need. Families within Forth Valley have the satisfaction of knowing that we are aiming to provide the highest standard of care.”

The work carried out within the Forth Valley Royal Hospital’s neonatal unit was praised by Susan and Claire Renny (pictured) who recently became parents to triplets Erin, Katie and Beth. The couple described the team as absolutely fantastic and said they couldn’t have asked for a better team to be looking after their girls.