The trust's maternity services achieved Stage 3 in July 2025 followed by the Woodland Neonatal Unit in October 2025.

Chief nurse Kelly McGovern, Baby Friendly Guardian for the trust, said: ‘Achieving Stage 3 in both our maternity and neonatal services is a huge milestone. 

‘It shows that Baby Friendly principles are not just policies, but are embedded in everyday care for families across West Hertfordshire, from pregnancy through to neonatal care, and reflects the consistency and commitment of our teams in supporting parents and babies at some of the most important moments in their lives.'

The Baby Friendly Initiative is a global programme led by UNICEF and the World Health Organization. It works with health services to improve support for infant feeding and to strengthen early relationships between parents and babies, helping ensure all babies get the best possible start in life. 

The trust will undergo re-accreditation in 2027, with the longer-term ambition of achieving UNICEF Gold status.