7 Wairarapa groups receive Baby Friendly Awards

Media Release
From: Jill Stringer
Date: 8 June 2009
Subject: 7 Wairarapa groups receive Baby Friendly Community Initiative Awards

Breast feeding is the best gift a mother can give, according to Julie Stufkens Executive Officer of the NZ Breast Feeding Authority (NZBA).

Julie was in town recently to present 7 Wairarapa health providers with awards, recognizing their outstanding contribution to the health of our community. The awards ceremony sponsored by the NZBA and organized by Wairarapa Public Health.

Providers recognized for their outstanding work and commitment to ensuring that parents in the Wairarapa are supported to breast feed their babies included Whaiora, Plunket, Le Leche League, Wairarapa Public Health, Parent Centre and the Pediatrics and Maternity services at Wairarapa Hospital.

Wairarapa DHB was the first in the country to be accredited as ‘Baby Friendly’ following a successful pilot programme that led the way for many other DHBs. Julie Stufkens was full of praise for how well the pilot had worked in the Wairarapa, acknowledging the dedication of health promoter Lisa Beech who coordinated the collaborative work that underpinned the success of the pilot.

Public Health manager Debi Lodge-Schnellenberg spoke of the history of the programme which began in the Wairarapa in May 2006. “By working together with a common aim, Wairarapa babies are now being breastfed at a rate above the national targets at 3 months and 6 months, but the numbers are still a little too low at 6 weeks. However, to increase the three week rate to meet the target of 74%, only eleven more mothers need to breast feed across the Wairarapa. That’s just a few more nanas, partners, friends and health professionals giving new mothers a little extra support and we’ll crack it. The long-term health benefits of breastfeeding are being increasingly recognized. It’s in all our best interests to support families to get off to the best possible start.”

The World Health Organization recommends exclusive breast feeding from zero to six months and to continue breast feeding up to two years and beyond.

“Compared to the national rates Wairarapa has now has very good breast feeding rates, thanks to the community getting behind the initiative, and health providers having the training and resources to provide the support needed,” says Debi. “Well done Wairarapa – our next generation is off to a wonderful start.”

Fact Box

The 7-point plan for developing a ‘Baby Friendly’ community
1. Have a written breastfeeding policy that routinely is communicated to all staff and volunteers.
2. Train all health care providers in the knowledge and skills necessary to implement the breastfeeding policy.
3. Inform pregnant women and their families about the benefits and management of breastfeeding.
4. Support mothers to establish and maintain exclusive breastfeeding to six months.
5. Encourage sustained breastfeeding beyond six months, to two years or more, alongside the introduction of appropriate, adequate and safe complementary foods.
6. Provide a welcoming atmosphere for breastfeeding families.
7. Promote collaboration among health services, and between health services and the local community.

ENDS

© Scoop Media