UNICEF Reaccreditation for Herts Family Centre Service

Hertfordshire’s Family Support Service have recently been assessed by UNICEF and reaccredited for the UNICEF Baby Friendly Initiative (BFI), as continuing to deliver high standards of care to pregnant women and new mothers.

Hertfordshire’s Family Centre Service is committed to helping support families with all infant feeding and to develop close, loving relationships with their baby.

As part of the BFI review, mothers were interviewed about the services they receive. One mother said: ‘It’s a lovely environment and they are very supportive. When one of the ladies spotted that I was breastfeeding she came rushing over and offered me a glass of water – she was really friendly and helped boost my confidence as a new mum.’

Another stated: ‘Huge credit to them, and it is a free service. Such a benefit – everyone is struggling to make ends meet.’

This reaccreditation demonstrates the high level of commitment from the Family Centre Service to support mothers with feeding information, to enable them to do this as safely and responsively as possible.

Hertfordshire County Council’s Executive Member for Children’s Services, Fiona Thomson attended the award ceremony and said: ‘I can only reiterate the views of the assessors that this reaccreditation is testament to the hard work and commitment of our Hertfordshire Family Centre staff. They remain sensitive to the needs of babies, parents and families and dedicated to ensuring their wellbeing and I’m proud to be able to share in this celebration.

‘There is lots of support in Hertfordshire to provide new mums with the help they need to make the right choices for them and their baby. Hertfordshire County Council is thrilled and proud to be delivering and upholding the very high standards of the UNICEF Baby Friendly Initiative, most importantly its dedication to promoting breast and responsive feeding ‘.

Visit www.hertfordshire.gov.uk/breastfeeding for more information.