Vol. 516 No. 6
295 Ms Shortall asked the Minister for Health and Children his views on whether the strategy being pursued in relation to breastfeeding has been successful in respect of reaching the target rates set; his further views on whether a successful breastfeeding promotion campaign requires a national co-ordinated multi-sectoral strategy; the action, if any, he will take in this regard; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9036/00]
The strategy being pursued in relation to breastfeeding by the health promotion unit of my Department is in accordance with the recommendations of the national breastfeeding policy. In prioritising the recommendations, it was recognised that as health professionals are the first point of contact for the mother during pregnancy and after birth, their support would be critical. The advice of qualified health care professionals allows the mother to make an informed choice on breastfeeding. 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. The pack was developed in conjunction with an Bord Altranais and has been widely disseminated. It is designed to equip health professionals with the necessary knowledge and skills to help mothers with breastfeeding their children.
One of the main recommendations of the national breastfeeding policy was that Ireland participate in the "Baby Friendly Hospital Initiative". This global campaign led by the WHO and UNICEF encourages hospitals and health workers to support mothers to breastfeed. This initiative has recently been established in Ireland and the number of hospitals, maternity and paediatric units involved in the initiative continues to grow.
The health promotion unit continues to be involved in ensuring the implementation of other recommendations of the national breastfeeding policy. Support is provided to voluntary organisations such as La Léche League, Cuidiu (Irish Childbirth Trust) and the Association of Lactation Consultants to produce a range of material to promote the incidence of breastfeeding.
Although the incidence of breastfeeding in Ireland remains low, the health promotion unit is committed to increase the rates of breastfeeding. A new health promotion strategy currently being developed will place continued emphasis on the implementation of the recommendations set out in the national breastfeeding policy. I am confident that the implementation of these recommendations will result in an increase in the incidence of breastfeeding in this country.
