AQW 1835/17-22

Ms Paula Bradshaw
Alliance Party
South Belfast

Tabled Date: 10/02/2020
Answered On Date: 27/02/2020
Priority Written: No

Question:
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.

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.