Community work to encourage mums to breastfeed has earned a health group Baby Friendly status from UNICEF.

The Baby Friendly Initiative, set up by UNICEF and the World Health Organisation, is a global programme which provides practical ways for health services to improve the care provided for mothers and babies.

In the UK, it primarily works with health professionals to ensure mothers and babies receive high quality support with breastfeeding.

Harrow's Integrated Care Organisation, which is responsible for delivering healthcare, has been given the status for its work.

Alison Spiro, breastfeeding co-ordinator for Harrow, said: "We decided to join forces with UNICEF UK's Baby Friendly Initiative to increase breastfeeding rates and to improve care for all mothers.”

Staff member, Julie Peris, added: "Breastfeeding protects babies against a wide range of serious illnesses including gastroenteritis and respiratory infections in infancy, as well as allergies and diabetes in childhood.

“We also know that breastfeeding reduces the mother’s risk of some cancers – although mums might be more interested in hearing that it is easier, cheaper and simply less hassle than bottle feeding.”