Meeting: Health Scrutiny Sub-Committee (County Hall, Durham - Committee Room 2 - 03/07/2006 10:00:00 AM)
Item: A7 Breast Feeding Strategy for County Durham
Health Scrutiny Sub-Committee
3rd July 2006 Breastfeeding Strategy for County Durham and Darlington |
| Report of the Head of Overview and Scrutiny |
Purpose of Report
1. To draw attention to a breastfeeding strategy for County Durham and Darlington which was recently launched.
Background
2. The Health Scrutiny Sub-Committee in its investigation of child health for children under 5 in County Durham identified the importance of breastfeeding in promoting better health for our children and also for the long-term health of people in County Durham.
3. An overall strategy for breastfeeding, to be led by the public sector, was encouraged. A breastfeeding strategy has been developed and has now been introduced. The main areas covered by the strategy are set out in the attached Appendix.
Recommendation
4. You are asked to note the introduction of the new breastfeeding strategy and to encourage the public sector to take this strategy into account in the way in which they deliver relevant services and in their role as employers.
| Contact: Ian Mackenzie Tel: 0191 383 3506 |
APPENDIX I
BREASTFEEDING STRATEGY FOR
COUNTY DURHAM AND DARLINGTON.
A CTION PLAN
1. Develop service policies and procedures that actively support breastfeeding. Secure funding and develop work towards accreditation by the UNICEF UK Baby Friendly Initiative is required across County Durham and Darlington.
2. Develop a multi-agency approach to all services promoting and supporting breastfeeding.
3. Provide breastfeeding training for all staff who have contact with pregnant women or breastfeeding mothers at an appropriate level. This will be designed to provide a consistent approach across County Durham and Darlington and will be regularly evaluated and reviewed.
4. A standard system of collecting and disseminating breastfeeding data at all appropriate stages will be developed and centrally co-ordinated.
5. An educational and awareness programme will be developed to promote the known benefits of breastfeeding and to encourage public acceptability of breastfeeding as the norm.
6. Raise awareness of the benefits of breastfeeding beginning with school children.
7. Fully informing all parents of the benefits of breastfeeding.
8. Support all women who choose to breastfeed by promoting and enhancing community facilities.
9. Develop human resources policies and facilities to support staff who return to work while breastfeeding.
10. Resources will be targeted at areas with low breastfeeding rates with a view to facilitating support networks and peer support groups.
Attachments