A UNICEF report claims that maternity units are putting the health of mothers and babies at risk by not doing enough to promote breastfeeding. 38% of the units have failed to implement minimum standards brought in a year ago.
Meanwhile breastfeeding rates in the UK remain among the lowest in Europe – despite evidence that breastmilk protects babies against a range of illnesses and guards against breast and ovarian cancer in mothers.
NICEF estimates that only 10% of women give birth in a fully-accredited ‘Baby Friendly’ hospital, which means they have passed a rigorous assessment by Unicef staff.
