Vol. 519 No. 6
64 Dr. Upton asked the Minister for Health and Children the targets which he has set for breastfeeding rates; the actual current rates; the specific steps, if any, which he is taking to achieve the target rates; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14575/00]
The targets set for breastfeeding rates are those outlined in the national breastfeeding policy. While I accept that the breastfeeding rates in Ireland appear to be low in comparison to our European counterparts, the health promotion unit of my Department is committed to continuing its support for the implementation of the recommendations of the national breastfeeding policy. A number of factors influence the success or otherwise of implementing the policy. However in prioritising the recommendations and how they might be implemented it was recognised that the support of health professionals would be critical to its successful implementation as they are the first point of contact for the mother during pregnancy and after childbirth and are ideally placed to ensure the mother receives information on the benefits of breastfeeding in order that she can make an informed choice. Consequently the National University of Ireland, Galway, with funding from the health promotion unit of my Department, has produced a training pack for health professionals which includes a breastfeeding video and information booklets. This pack was developed in conjunction with An Bord Altranais and is designed to equip health professionals with the necessary skills and knowledge to assist mothers with breastfeeding. This training pack is now in place and available to the relevant health professional bodies.
Another key recommendation of the national breastfeeding policy was that Ireland participate in the baby friendly hospital initiative. This global campaign, led by the World Health Organisation and UNICEF, encourages hospitals and health workers to support mothers to breastfeed. The initiative has been established in Ireland and the number of hospitals, maternity and paediatric units involved continues to grow.
My Department, through the health promotion unit also continues to be involved in ensuring that the other recommendations of the national breastfeeding policy are implemented. Other initiatives undertaken to achieve this include the production of materials encouraging breastfeeding and supporting voluntary organisations such as La Leche League, Cuidiú, Irish Childbirth Trust, and the Association of Lactation Consultants, to further promote the incidence of breastfeeding.
I am confident that the continuing implementation of the recommendations and particularly the growing participation in the baby friendly hospital initiative will result in an increase in the incidence of breastfeeding.
