Supermodel Elle Macpherson is calling on Chase Farm Hospital to get behind a campaign to boost support for breastfeeding mothers as part of her work with children's charity UNICEF.

Ms Macpherson, special ambassador for the United Nations Children's Fund, has written to ask hospital chiefs in The Ridgeway to introduce a series of measures to earn baby friendly' accreditation.

The mum-of-one writes: "Babies who are breast fed are less likely to suffer a wide range of illnesses, including gastroenteritis in infancy, childhood allergies and heart disease in adulthood."

She said that baby friendly hospitals had reported significant increases in the number of mothers who chose to breast feed.

The model added: "By working towards the baby friendly award, you will be providing a better service to mothers and babies, improving health and meeting your targets for increased breastfeeding rates."

Currently there are no baby-friendly maternity units in London, comparing poorly to Scotland, where 54 per cent of all babies are born in baby friendly units, and other part of the country.

At baby friendly units, women can expect discussions about caring for their baby, how to breastfeed and its benefits, and support after leaving hospital.

A spokeswoman for Chase Farm Hospital said the trust had registered its intention to go for baby friendly status, along with four other London hospitals.

In the meantime, Bella Dale, team leader for antenatal education and breastfeeding support, said: "The trust aims to provide advice and education regarding the benefits of breastfeeding during pregnancy.

"After birth there is extensive support available for new mums who are breastfeeding, including weekly drop-in sessions and pager support for urgent help in the early days."