healthy children

Breastfeeding

Breastfeeding is the ideal, natural way to feed infants and provides the best possible foundation for both infant and maternal good health and wellbeing. The World Health Organisation (WHO) recognizes that breastfeeding for the first 6 months of life contributes positively to nutrition, good health and the wider wellbeing of babies, mothers and whanau and also influences the likelihood of obesity in later life.

Click on the pictures below to read some great breastfeeding success stories

Baby Friendly Hospital and Community Initiatives

The Wairarapa DHB was one of the first of a group of DHBs to gain Baby Friendly Hospital accreditation and is also fortunate to have been one of the Baby Friendly Community Initiative (BFCI) Pilots in New Zealand. Through consultation with community health services, the BFCI pilot identified particular areas of need. Both initiatives have also resulted in extensive training of the workforce.

For Maori, breastfeeding is a traditional and valued practice and embodies the importance of nourishment, protection, sustenance and continuity. The long term goal is â€œwhÃ£nau oraâ€ or families supported to achieve maximum health and wellbeing. This focus has been reflected in the Baby Friendly Hospital and Community Initiatives and in the Breastfeeding Action Plan

The implementation of the plan will be governed and monitored by the Baby Friendly Initiative Group

There is a dedicated group of people available to support breastfeeding. They are listed in the Wairarapa Breastfeeding Support Services Contact List . This brochure is also available from all Plunket, Whaiora, GP Practices and the maternity unit at Wairarapa Hospital.

'Pregnancy and Parenting' Classes

Pregnancy and Parenting midwife Michelle Thomas runs classes on an 'as needed' basis for young parents . You can contact her through Maternity reception at Wairarapa Hosptial (946 9800 x 4200, or email preggy@wairarapa.dhb.org.nz. These classes are for teenage mums and their partners and/or support team. They are usually held at Ko Te Aroha (Early Childhood Centre)

General antenatal classes are provided under contract with Antenatal Educators from the Wairarapa Parents Centre. They can also be contacted through Maternity Reception, or directly on (06) 370 2220 Link to current timetable

Workplaces and breastfeeding

National Information

Breastfeeding in the Workplace (NZ Dept of Labour's guidelines for employers)

http://www.ers.dol.govt.nz/publications/pdfs/breastfeeding.pdf

Breastfeeding Support Guide for Employers

http://www.womens-health.org.nz/breastfeed/downloads/breastfeeding%20sheets.pdf

Developing Breastfeeding-Friendly Workplaces in New Zealand

http://www.womens-health.org.nz/breastfeed/downloads/workplacereport.doc

Developing Breastfeeding-Friendly Childcare to Support Mothers in Paid Employment and Studying

http://www.womens-health.org.nz/breastfeed/downloads/childcarereport.doc

EEO Trust

http://www.eeotrust.org.nz/toolkits/breastfeeding.cfm

Human Rights Commission

http://www.neon.org.nz/documents/3%20breastfeeding%20flyer%20English.pdf

The Business case for supporting breastfeeding

(taken from Women's Health Action's Breastfeeding Employerâ€™s pack)

Save money

Supported breastfeeding mothers are more likely to return to work after maternity leave which reduces recruitment costs, training costs and sick leave. Clear Communications in 2001 estimated a saving of $75,000 per employee returning to work. They had a 100% retention rate.

Less absenteeism

Breastfed babies get sick less, which means mothers take less sick days off to care for them. A study in USA of two corporations showed a 50% decrease in sick days off when babies were breastfed

Better company image

Supported working mothers are more productive, happier and help build the company's image. They are also loyal to the company - less likely to resign and more likely go 'above and beyond' in future.