TORBAY Care Trust has been awarded a certificate for encouraging best practice among Bay mothers.

It is the first step towards international recognition by Unicef's Baby Friendly Initiative.

The initiative is a worldwide programme by the World Health Organisation and Unicef.

It works with healthcare services to support them in implementing best practice and maintaining high standards of support for pregnant women and breast feeding mothers and babies.

The Certificate of Commitment provides the trust with recognition for their dedication to implementing globally-recognised best practice standards for mothers within Torbay.

Ronnie Bray, breast feeding advisor at Torbay Care Trust, said: "We are so pleased to have received this certificate.

"It shows our commitment to the baby friendly initiative and our efforts in working towards achieving Baby Friendly status in Torbay.

"Breast feeding really does give your baby the best start.

"It protects babies against a wide range of illnesses including gastroenteritis and respiratory infections in infancy as well as allergies and diabetes in childhood. However it is vital women are given the right support to breast feed successfully"

Research also suggest breast feeding provides mums with benefits such as reduced risk of some cancers, weight loss, as well as being easier, cheaper and simply less hassle than the alternative of bottle feeding.

Sue Ashmore, Baby Friendly Initiative programme director, said: "We are delighted Torbay Care Trust has received this award.

"Surveys show us most mothers want to breast feed but don't always get the support they need.

"Mothers in Torbay have the satisfaction of knowing their health visitors are aiming to provide the highest standard of care."