Browser does not support script.

News article

First ever regional awards celebrate excellence in infant feeding support

Published: 16 January 2025

  •   Featured
  •   Events
A group of people standing next to each other holding award plaques in their hands

Dr Ernestine Gheyoh Ndzi (far left) with award winners

Winners of the inaugural Yorkshire and Humber Infant Feeding Awards were announced at a special ceremony at York St John University on Wednesday 15 January. The awards celebrated the impact of individuals and organisations across the region who play a pivotal role in providing families with infant feeding support.  

Those honoured in the awards include health professionals, advocates, and charities who provide vital breastfeeding support at home and in the community; employers that offer parents the flexibility to continue to breastfeed on their return to work; and infant feeding friendly shopping centres which provide safe and welcoming spaces. Mothers who overcame significant medical or social challenges who then went on to successfully breastfeed their child were also recognised in a special category.   

The awards evolved from a pioneering project aimed at improving infant feeding support. The Yorkshire and Humber Infant Feeding Project was founded by Dr Ernestine Gheyoh Ndzi, Associate Dean at York Business School, York St John University. Working with health professionals, local authorities, regional charities, and academic researchers, the project aims to understand the barriers that exist around infant feeding and develop support to empower parents with knowledge and resources to positively impact the physical and emotional wellbeing of children. Whether the mother is breastfeeding, formula feeding or a combination of both, education and physical support is critical. 

Dr Ernestine Gheyoh Ndzi has conducted research and written extensively on shared parental leave, zero hours contracts, support for breastfeeding employees in the workplace, and the impact on infant feeding when parents return to work. Her current research focuses on men transitioning into fatherhood and the impact this can have on their mental health. 

Commenting on the importance of normalising discussions around infant feeding and the impact of the awards, Ernestine said:  

“For a long time, infant feeding has been regarded as a mother’s problem. However, the success of infant feeding goes beyond the mother’s input and extends to stakeholders such as health professionals, employers, businesses, government, academics, and society at large.  

“Infant feeding is a topic that is not often discussed freely and mothers and health professionals working in this space are often left feeling alone. This event has shone a spotlight on infant feeding, normalising conversations on the topic and demonstrating the impact diverse stakeholders have in this area while celebrating people who have gone above and beyond to support mothers.” 

Dr Tim Hughes, President of York Medical Society for 2024/25, added: 

“Despite the clear benefits, many mothers face challenges in initiating and maintaining breastfeeding. A lack of guidance, societal pressures, and limited workplace accommodations often result in mothers stopping earlier than intended. Addressing these barriers through community support groups, educational programmes, and workplace policies can significantly improve breastfeeding rates across the UK. Breastfeeding is one of the most effective ways to give children the healthiest start in life. We are delighted to support this project and the awards to raise awareness, offer practical support, and create environments where mothers feel empowered to breastfeed.”  

Individuals and representatives from organisations across the region attended the sellout event to congratulate winners across 10 categories. 

Excellence in Infant Feeding Education 
Winner: Sara Balmforth, Midwife at Forget Me Not Children’s Hospice, Huddersfield 
Shortlisted:  
Goodwin Doula and Breastfeeding Peer Support Project (BFPS) 
Anne Amott (Infant Feeding Team Leader, Barnsley 0-19 Public Health Nursing Service) 
Sarah Beardsall (Infant Feeding Coordinator, Barnsley Hospital Maternity Services) 
Sara Balmforth (Midwife at Forget Me Not Children’s Hospice, Huddersfield) 
 
Most Sustainable Infant Feeding Local Council 
Winner: Hull City Council 
Shortlisted: 
East Riding of Yorkshire Council 
Sheffield City Council 
Hull City Council 
 
Infant Feeding Friendly Public Place 
Winner: St Stephen’s Shopping Centre, Hull 
Shortlisted: 
White Rose Shopping Centre, Leeds 
Trinity Shopping Centre, Leeds 
St Stephen’s Shopping Centre, Hull 
 
Excellence in Breastfeeding Support 
Winner: Robyn Clark (Barnsley) 
Shortlisted:  
Treasure Chest York 
Hull 0-19 Service 
Robyn Clarke (Barnsley) 
 
Outstanding Breastfeeding Advocate 
Winner: Natasha Day MBE 
Shortlisted:  
Goodwin Doula and BFPS project 
Natasha Day MBE 
Anne Hemsley 
 
Breastfeeding Friendly Employer 
Winner: Leeds City Council 
Shortlisted:  
Barnsley Metropolitan Borough Council 
Leeds City Council 
Ministry of Defence 
 
Breastfeeding Friendly University 
Winner: York St John University 
Shortlisted: 
University of Hull 
University of York 
York St John University 
 
Community Breastfeeding Champion 
Winner: Infant Feeding Team, Barnsley Council 
Shortlisted: 
Infant Feeding Team, Barnsley Council 
Leeds Bosom Buddies 
Goodwin Breastfeeding Peer Support Project 
Leeds Maternity Infant Feeding team 
 
Breastfeeding in Adversity 
Winners:  
Helena Ramsden 
Louise Prashad 
Beth Brennan 
Rochelle Millar 
Alice Thatcher 
 
Infant Feeding Research Award – sponsored by the Institute for Health and Care Improvement at York St John University 
Winner: Barnsley Council’s Children’s Public Health Team and 0-19 Public Health 
 
Find out more about the Yorkshire and Humber Infant Feeding Project and the 2025 Infant Feeding Awards on the event webpage. 

Read about the family-friendly support and policies offered at York St John University. 

Contact us

Communications team

York St John University, Lord Mayors Walk, York, YO31 7EX

01904 876 466

To contact us out of hours, phone 07812 365 499