Maternity services in Hampshire have earned the Stage 2 accreditation from UNICEF's Baby Friendly Initiative.

The recognition also coincided with the Breastfeeding Awareness Week expected in the rest of the year.

On March 4, the UNICEF accreditation was given, citing the service's emphasis on breastfeeding and promoting the benefits of breast milk.

More than nine in ten maternity and neonatal staff across the four areas have received training to assist women in their breastfeeding journey.

The Baby Friendly Initiative is an extension of a broader worldwide partnership between the WHO and UNICEF, geared towards ensuring mothers and babies receive high-quality support.

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Recent data indicate that despite a growing number of women initiating breastfeeding, the continuation rates remain low.

To counter this, various breastfeeding support services are available across Hampshire and the Isle of Wight, including the GOLD accredited Health Visiting Service from the Southern Health NHS Foundation Trust.

Margaret Beattie, associate director of maternity and early years at NHS Hampshire and Isle of Wight said: "We are very proud of this achievement and the accreditation shows how hard the teams have been working with our new mothers and families to ensure babies are feeding well.

"We work with our families and provide support to allow them to feed their babies in the best way possible that suits their needs, whether that is breastfeeding or using breastmilk alternatives such as formulas.

"Being recognised with this accreditation from UNICEF is so important for us and we continue to embed these standards of care throughout our teams."

For more about breastfeeding groups in these areas, visit hampshirehealthyfamilies.org.uk/breastfeeding.