Breastfeeding: A Guide to Action

Date of Publication: November 2002

HP 3585

The outcome expected from this Breastfeeding Action Plan is an overall improvement in the breastfeeding rates of Maori and Pacific peoples, and an overall increase in the breastfeeding rate of other New Zealanders.

The foundations for a healthy life are laid in infancy and childhood, and a commitment to the health of our children is a commitment to the health of New Zealanders now and in the future. There is no longer any argument with 'breast is best'. There is plenty of evidence internationally that breastfeeding contributes positively to infant and also to maternal health, and this evidence confirms that breastfeeding will contribute positively to five of the 13 population health objectives in the New Zealand Health Strategy:

• improving nutrition

• reducing obesity

• reducing the incidence and impact of cancer

• reducing the incidence and impact of cardiovascular disease

• reducing the incidence and impact of diabetes

The decision to breastfeed is strongly influenced by social norms and by the beliefs and values of women and their significant others. Once the decision to breastfeed is made, the continuity and quality of care received (especially at birth and in the immediate postpartum period) is of vital importance to the establishment and maintenance of breastfeeding.

In the past 6-8 years there have been a number of initiatives to promote and support breastfeeding in New Zealand, and some of these specifically target Maori and Pacific. The Breastfeeding Action Plan specifies the continued monitoring and strengthening of all of these initiatives, and in particular calls for the provision of consistent, up-to-date breastfeeding information, and a nation-wide focus on achieving accredited Baby Friendly Hospitals.

This document sets out the Ministry of Health's plan of action for improving the initiation and maintenance of breastfeeding throughout New Zealand during 2002-03.

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Related Information:

Breastfeeding - publications, media releases, health education resources and links