This week is Breastfeeding Awareness Week (25 - 30 June) where attention is being focused on the health benefits of breastfeeding for mum and for baby.

In 2010, 81 per cent (according to the national 2010 Infant Feeding Survey) of new mums breastfed their babies initially - an increase from 76 per cent in 2005. Breastfeeding rates at the Royal Bournemouth Hospital Maternity Unit are predominately above the national average, which is testament to both the mothers and staff.

The unit is a fully accredited Unicef Baby Friendly Unit and it has retained this standard at its recent one year post accreditation assessment.

Breastfeeding offers both mothers and babies numerous health benefits in both the short and long term and guidance on breastfeeding is part of the parent education sessions that are offered within the unit and in the community.

Mums-to-be and their partners are encouraged to attend the breastfeeding workshop. Their partner’s support is imperative and they are encouraged to be involved in all aspects of baby care. The aim is that sessions are fun and relaxed as well as informative and the tour of the unit after the session is always popular.

The staff in the unit are dedicated to offering a comprehensive breastfeeding service both in hospital and at home. We recognise that mums want to go home to be with their family as soon as possible and so we can arrange for home visits for breastfeeding support.

Although the team encourages new mums to try breastfeeding, if the parents decide that they wish to formula feed their baby, the team will respect their decision and support them.

What ever their choice, mum and dad are always encouraged to have lots of close contact with their baby to build a close and loving relationship.

Liz Stacey, Breastfeeding Co-ordinator, the Royal Bournemouth Hospital