Yorkshire and Humber Infant Feeding Awards

Children have the right to be fed, and parents need information and support to make informed decisions about feeding. Parents need to be supported in the decisions they have made which would have a significant impact on the child. Many people think infant feeding responsibilities fall on the mother and the health professionals only. Actually, many stakeholders and society at large have an impact on infant feeding.

Our vision is to create a world where every child can have a healthy growth and development through feeding. We envision a future where parents are empowered with knowledge and resources that support the physical and emotional wellbeing of children. Through collaboration we aim to inspire a culture of excellence in infant feeding by celebrating individuals and organisations that transcend barriers, promoting health equity for all families.

Infant Feeding Awards Vision Statement

Award categories

The award categories are:

Excellence in Infant Feeding Education: Awards an individual or organisation that has provided outstanding education or training in the field of breastfeeding, such as a lactation consultant educator or breastfeeding counsellor.

Most Sustainable Infant Feeding Local Council: Awards the council that has demonstrated significant engagement in innovative breastfeeding and infant feeding projects, programmes, or initiatives that have improved breastfeeding rates or support in a community, workplace, or healthcare setting.

Infant Feeding Friendly Public Place: Recognises a public building that has a breastfeeding and infant feeding room which is well-resourced and clearly signposted.

Excellence in Breastfeeding Support: Recognises an individual or organisation that has provided outstanding support for breastfeeding mothers, such as a lactation consultant, breastfeeding peer supporter, or breastfeeding-friendly employer.

Outstanding Breastfeeding Advocate: Honours an individual who has made significant contributions to promoting and protecting breastfeeding through advocacy, research, or education.

Breastfeeding Friendly Employer: Recognises an employer that has implemented family-friendly policies, such as paid parental leave, flexible working arrangements, or dedicated breastfeeding facilities, to support breastfeeding employees.

Breastfeeding Friendly University: Recognises universities that have implemented family-friendly policies, such as paid parental leave, flexible working arrangements, or dedicated breastfeeding facilities, to support breastfeeding employees.

Community Breastfeeding Champion: Awards an individual or group that has made outstanding contributions to promoting and supporting breastfeeding in their community, such as through peer support groups, community education, or advocacy.

Breastfeeding in Adversity: Recognises a mother who has overcome significant challenges or adversity to breastfeed, such as medical complications, social stigma, or lack of support.

Infant Feeding Research Award: Honours an individual or team that has made significant contributions to advancing breastfeeding research and evidence-based practice.