Midwives and support workers caring for new mums and babies at Sherwood Forest Hospitals have been commended for their work by UNICEF, the world’s leading children’s charity.

It was part of UNICEF’s Baby Friendly Award, given to services that adopt international standards of best practice caring for new-born children.

In their assessment of maternity services at King’s Mill Hospital, the UNICEF team wrote: “Mothers and staff spoke highly about the excellent care provided by the Lime Green team as well as the kindness shown to them by midwives and support staff. The high standard of care given to the mothers reflected the staff’s skills and knowledge base.”

Midwives and healthcare support workers help breastfeeding mums on the wards, while the hospital’s Lime Green infant feeding team helps them at home.

The Lime Green team was set up three years ago to provide on-going help and advice to mums in their first few weeks back at home.

Alison Whitham, head of midwifery and gynaecology at Sherwood Forest Hospitals, said: “We are absolutely delighted with this award. Everyone works extremely hard caring for our mums and babies, and it’s excellent that UNICEF has judged our quality and professionalism deserves recognition two years after their first inspection.”

The maternity service has backed the UNICEF Baby Friendly initiative to increase breastfeeding in the UK since 2009. In that time the number of new breastfeeding mums has risen from 54% to 66% of those admitted to Sherwood Forest Hospitals.

“Whether on the ward or out in the community, however a mum chooses to feed her baby, breast or formula, she will always be supported to form a strong loving relationship with her new-born,” said Jo Lincoln, Sherwood Forest Hospitals Infant Feeding Co-ordinator.