What Does It Mean If My NHS Hospital's Maternity Services Are Unicef Accredited? Should I Worry If They Aren’t?

What Does It Mean If My NHS Hospital’s Maternity Services Are Unicef Accredited? Should I Worry If They Aren’t?

When preparing for childbirth, choosing the right antenatal care is one of the most important decisions a pregnant person can make. From ensuring access to quality healthcare to making sure you’re supported throughout your pregnancy, there is much to consider. A key point of interest for many is whether their local NHS hospital’s maternity services are accredited by UNICEF, particularly under the Baby Friendly Initiative (BFI) programme. This accreditation is a hallmark of a hospital’s commitment to supporting breastfeeding and infant care, but what exactly does it mean for you, and should you be concerned if your hospital doesn’t have it?

In this article, we’ll explore what UNICEF accreditation means for maternity services, what you can expect from antenatal care at a UNICEF-accredited hospital, and whether a lack of accreditation should raise any concerns during your pregnancy journey. We’ll also discuss how to navigate antenatal appointments and support, with a focus on antenatal support, so you can make informed decisions about your care.

The Baby Friendly Initiative (BFI) is a global programme led by UNICEF and the World Health Organization (WHO) that focuses on improving maternity care and breastfeeding practices across the globe. In the UK, hospitals, maternity units, and clinics can earn UNICEF’s Baby Friendly accreditation by meeting rigorous standards that promote the health and well-being of both mothers and babies.

Hospitals that are accredited through this initiative are committed to ensuring that all new parents receive the necessary support for breastfeeding and infant care, as well as the guidance needed for prenatal care. These institutions are also expected to have comprehensive policies on breastfeeding support and ensure that all healthcare professionals in the maternity unit are well-trained in infant feeding practices.

Accreditation is awarded in stages, and hospitals must demonstrate that they are fully complying with all of UNICEF’s ten standards related to breastfeeding. These include providing information and support on breastfeeding, promoting exclusive breastfeeding for the first six months, and ensuring mothers are given the time and space to feed their babies.

What Does UNICEF Accreditation Mean for You?

If you choose a hospital with UNICEF accreditation, there are several key benefits and assurances regarding the level of care and support you can expect during your pregnancy and birth. These hospitals are held to high standards of antenatal care, which is crucial for both your health and your baby’s.

1. Comprehensive Breastfeeding Support

Perhaps the most well-known feature of a UNICEF-accredited hospital is the support offered to new mothers who wish to breastfeed. Research shows that breastfeeding provides numerous benefits for both the baby and the mother, such as improved immunity for the baby and a reduced risk of certain cancers for the mother.

UNICEF-accredited hospitals provide:

In-depth guidance on breastfeeding techniques, including advice on latching, feeding positions, and ensuring adequate milk supply.

Support for all breastfeeding challenges, from dealing with cracked nipples to overcoming common breastfeeding difficulties.

A supportive environment for skin-to-skin contact right after birth, which has been shown to help with early breastfeeding success.

This comprehensive support ensures that you are not left to navigate breastfeeding challenges alone and can receive help whenever needed.

2. Education and Antenatal Support

Aside from antenatal care, hospitals with UNICEF accreditation also offer antenatal education tailored to expectant parents. These classes typically cover essential topics such as:

Preparing for childbirth

Recognising the signs of labour

The benefits of skin-to-skin contact and breastfeeding

Infant care and early bonding

If your hospital is UNICEF-accredited, you are likely to have access to these educational opportunities, which can provide you with the confidence and skills you need when your baby arrives. The hospital staff is likely to have ongoing training on the latest evidence-based practices related to infant feeding and care.

3. Family-Centred Approach to Care

Another hallmark of a Baby Friendly hospital is a family-centred approach to care. This means that the focus is not only on the baby’s health but also on supporting the family as a whole. Hospitals aim to create a warm and welcoming environment for parents, with an emphasis on shared decision-making and respectful care. This approach extends to:

Ensuring that your partner or a support person is included in the antenatal process and throughout the birth.

Promoting antenatal support for emotional well-being, mental health, and family bonding.

Providing resources and information to help you make informed decisions about your care.

The idea behind this is to create a supportive environment that helps families feel empowered and involved in their care and the care of their newborn.

Should I Worry If My NHS Hospital Is Not UNICEF Accredited?

While there is a lot of positive attention surrounding UNICEF’s Baby Friendly accreditation, it’s important to note that a hospital’s lack of this accreditation doesn’t necessarily mean that the maternity services there are subpar. In fact, many NHS hospitals that are not accredited by UNICEF still provide excellent antenatal care and birth support.

1. Quality of Care Without the Badge

Even without UNICEF accreditation, NHS hospitals are still subject to rigorous standards of care and scrutiny from national healthcare regulators, such as the Care Quality Commission (CQC). The CQC regularly inspects and rates NHS services based on a variety of criteria, including patient safety, effectiveness, and the quality of care provided.

A hospital that is not UNICEF-accredited might still offer:

Comprehensive prenatal care: Including regular antenatal appointments, health checks, and screenings.

Skilled healthcare professionals: Trained staff who are capable of supporting your pregnancy care and addressing any concerns.

Breastfeeding support: While the hospital may not be formally accredited, many hospitals still provide expert support and guidance for mothers wishing to breastfeed.

2. Understanding the Accreditation Process

Achieving UNICEF’s Baby Friendly accreditation is not an overnight process. It requires a long-term commitment from the hospital, which involves significant resources and training for staff. Some hospitals might not have pursued accreditation yet, either due to these resource constraints or because they are already providing adequate care without it.

3. Accessing Other Sources of Support

If your hospital is not UNICEF-accredited, there are still numerous external resources available for support during pregnancy. You can access:

Antenatal yoga classes for relaxation and fitness during pregnancy.

Prenatal massage services for relaxation and pain relief.

Support groups for breastfeeding or postpartum care.

In addition, you can request information from your hospital on their breastfeeding and infant care policies, and you can explore antenatal education classes outside of the hospital setting.

Key Takeaways: UNICEF Accreditation and Your Antenatal Care

Choosing a hospital for antenatal care is one of the most important decisions you’ll make during your pregnancy, but it’s essential to understand that UNICEF Baby Friendly accreditation is just one indicator of quality care. Hospitals with this accreditation provide excellent breastfeeding support and a family-centred approach, but many NHS hospitals also provide high-quality care, even if they are not officially accredited.

If you are concerned about the quality of care or support for breastfeeding, don’t hesitate to speak with your healthcare provider. They can offer detailed information about the services available and any additional resources you can tap into for your pregnancy and birth journey. Ultimately, your health and your baby’s well-being are the most important factors to consider when choosing a hospital for antenatal appointments and birth.