Nottingham University last week became the third university in the UK to be awarded Baby Friendly status. Cabinet Minister and Nottinghamshire MP, Geoff Hoon, joined UNICEF UK Baby Friendly Director Sue Ashmore, to present the award during a ceremony at Nottingham University.

Presenting the award to Lindsay Cullen, Liz Ellis and Helen McIntyre, Geoff Hoon said: “I am truly delighted to be able to present this UNICEF UK Baby Friendly award to Nottingham University in recognition of the high levels of breastfeeding training provided to all student midwives."

“Now midwives graduating from Nottingham will be putting the vital skills that they have learnt during training into practise, improving the breastfeeding care given to mothers and babies, and thereby making a real difference to the health of our nation.”

Nottingham University is one of the biggest providers of midwifery education in the country, and also has one of the largest geographical areas for student placements, covering Nottingham, Derby, Chesterfield, Mansfield, Lincoln, Boston and Grantham. 

Sue Ashmore, Director, UNICEF UK Baby Friendly Initiative, said: “I am delighted that Nottingham has become the third university in the UK to gain this award. I know many people have put in a great deal of hard work to get to where we are today, and I congratulate them on this wonderful achievement.”

Diane Fraser, Professor of Midwifery at Nottingham University, thanked the three midwife teachers for their hard work and passion for promoting successful breastfeeding which have influenced the whole of the Division of Midwifery.

She said: “The award recognises our commitment to ensuring student midwives are equipped with the knowledge and skills to support breastfeeding women wherever they work as midwives.”