WHEN it comes to bonding with their babies, parents in Bury can be reassured they are receiving top help and support.

Local health visitors across the borough have passed a strict international accreditation process with flying colours.

The Bury Health Visiting Service has successfully held onto their prestigious Baby Friendly Initiative accreditation, scoring 100 per cent in many areas.

The Baby Friendly Initiative, established by UNICEF and the World Health Organisation, involves services meeting a strict set of rules to make sure parents have the best support around bonding with their baby and their preferred methods of feeding.

Baby Friendly has particular focus on breastfeeding, as they say it is beneficial for both mum and baby. For baby, breast milk contains antibodies which protect them from a wide range of illnesses. It also reduces the risk of them developing type-two diabetes or becoming obese in later life.

Meanwhile, mums can benefit from reducing their risk of developing breast or ovarian cancer.

The service first achieved the accreditation in 2015, the re-accreditation process is designed to check that the service is continuing to meet the Baby Friendly high standards.

Health visitor Rachel Varney said: “The Baby Friendly Initiative has made a real difference, giving our staff the skills and confidence to effectively support parents with feeding and bonding with their baby.

“We always encourage mums to breastfeed where possible, as there are so many health and emotional benefits for both mum and baby. However, recognising that not all mums can breastfeed, or want to, we’re on hand to help no matter how parents choose to feed their baby. We also make sure parents can confidently and safely move their baby on to solid food at six months old.

“We all get a real sense of satisfaction in helping parents to give their babies the very best start in life, so the child can grow, learn and ultimately reach their full potential.”