AQW 1835/17-22 Written question to the Minister of Health

To ask the Minister of Health for an update on the implementation of further areas identified for action in the mid-term strategy review of Breastfeeding - A Great Start.

Asked by Paula Bradshaw MLA on 10 February 2020

  • Answered
  • Written
  • After due date
Tabled
10 February 2020
Answer due by
25 February 2020
Answered
27 February 202017 days after tabling
Department
Department of Health
Priority question
No

Answer

My Department’s Breastfeeding Strategy (2013-2023) aims to improve the health and wellbeing of mothers and babies through breastfeeding. In keeping with the Strategy, the Public Health Agency has developed breastfeeding promotional material which is distributed to expectant mothers through HSC maternity services. A website www.breastfedbabies.org provides further information and support. Specific training is also provided for health professionals to promote and support breastfeeding.

The UNICEF Baby Friendly Initiative (BFI) promotes breastfeeding. Recently the north of Ireland became the first region across Britain and Ireland to achieve 100% of births in a BFI fully accredited maternity service.

Official sources