Workplace could play role in boosting breastfeeding says Health Ministry

Media Release

28 July 2005

Workplace could play role in boosting breastfeeding says Health Ministry

A major drop off in breastfeeding rates after three months could be improved by more supportive workplaces says Ministry of Health paediatrician Dr Pat Tuohy.

Dr Tuohy’s comments mark the beginning of World Breast Feeding Week (August 1-7) which promotes breastfeeding as the preferable first choice for babies and mothers.

While New Zealand's rates of breastfeeding are high at birth and compare favourably to other OECD countries, they decline significantly with time. At five to six weeks over 68 per cent of infants are fully breast fed, this drops to about 55 per cent of infants being fully breastfed at three months, while just 24 per cent are fully breastfed from four to six months. (Plunket)

"Breast milk is the ideal food for babies. It meets the full term infants' nutritional requirements for up to the first six months of life. Breast feeding supplies food in a hygienic, cost effective, balanced and convenient way. That is why the Ministry of Health encourages women to breastfeed their babies exclusively for the first four to six months of life, if they are in a position to do so."

Dr Tuohy says the reasons for the drop off in breastfeeding rates are varied and many women are choosing to return to the workforce while they are still breastfeeding their baby.

"Unfortunately it seems breastfeeding and working are often mutually exclusive. Women who can extend their breastfeeding are those who, in general, are in a position to take longer periods of leave, return to work part time or negotiate with their employers to continue breastfeeding their babies while at work.

"Paid Parental Leave gives women more choice and is likely to support women to breast feed longer. That's why we support new guidelines around breastfeeding in the workplace developed by the Department of Labour, which are available now."

Dr Tuohy says employers can help mothers who choose to breastfeed by being more flexible. He urges them to offer a supportive working environment for breastfeeding mothers and urges mothers to think about negotiating with employers to provide such an environment.

"With the economy facing a shortage of skilled labour it's in everyone's interests to ensure those who prefer to carry on with breastfeeding can do this as well as work."

For more information on Breast Feeding in the Workplace/An Employer's Guide to Making it Work (PDF, 374kB, opens in new window) freephone: 0800 20 90 20 or download from www.ers.dol.govt.nz

Fiona Mayo
Directorate Communications Advisor
Ministry of Health
DDI: 04 460 4777
Mobile: 027 544 3759
email Fiona_Mayo@moh.govt.nz

Related information

Ministry of Health media releases

Breastfeeding