THE maternity service at NHS Borders has struck gold by achieving the top award in Unicef UK's Baby Friendly Initiative.

The accreditation scheme helps health services provide safe spaces for new parents to breastfeed and build relationships with their babies.

The initiative was introduced in the UK in 1994, and 91 per cent of maternity units in the UK are working towards their accreditation.

In a video posted on NHS Borders’ Facebook page, Ida Hassing, the health board's lead infant feeding advisor, said: “I’m absolutely delighted to share with you that our maternity service has received the Unicef Baby Friendly gold award.”

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The Unicef Baby Friendly Initiative aims to transform babies’ healthcare.

The programme supports parents who are breastfeeding by offering support to get breastfeeding started, and how to overcome any challenges they face during this period.

Parents who formula feed their children are also supported through the initiative, through advice on the best milk to choose, how to make up feeds and how to feed safely.

The initiative also encourages the building of the relationship between babies and parents, particularly by allowing a period of time immediately after birth for a parent and their child to be together.

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Unicef has also advocated for parents of sick or premature babies to take a key role in the care they receive in neonatal wards.

The humanitarian group hopes by encouraging health services to adopt the teachings of the accreditation, they will create a ‘new normal’.

Ms Hassing added: “This prestigious award is a fantastic credit to everyone at NHS Borders, who are so dedicated to providing expert infant feeding support and a wonderful partnership working of mother and families in our community to ensure that all babies get the best possible start.”

The local maternity unit is based at the Borders General Hospital.

Visit the Unicef website for more information on the Baby Friendly Initiative.