‘Just Ten Steps’ theme of World Breastfeeding Week

29/07/2010 | Breastfeeding Week

MidCentral District Health Board are leaders in working toward a baby friendly world.

MidCentral Health attained Baby Friendly Hospital Initiative (BFHI) accreditation in 2002 and have since achieved reaccreditation in both Palmerston North, and Levin maternity facilities. This has led to improvements in breastfeeding rates.

The theme for next week’s World Breastfeeding Week “Just Ten Steps” commemorates the 20th anniversary of the Innocenti Declaration which called for the implementation of the Ten Steps to successful breastfeeding in all hospitals. It is a tool to help the increase in breastfeeding rates.

“Just 10 Steps” achieves better success with breastfeeding, enhances bonding, and mother getting to know baby and feel more confident.

More breastfeeding support for mothers is achieved by midwives, nurses and all staff who have contact with mothers and babies in the facilities receiving ongoing education ensuring the “Ten Steps” are the basis for practice for the continuation of best practise to promote, protect and support breastfeeding.

Research shows that the best feeding option is the initiation of breastfeeding within the first hour of life is the best start.
More mother-baby friendly practice helps the mother to be able to cuddle and know baby feeding cues, letting baby lead the way for feeding.

Mothers holding her baby skin-to-skin enhances the first feed which plays an important role in the mothers success and gives the baby a warm welcome into the world.

This year’s theme is celebrated in MidCentral Health’s Women’s Health Unit with displays in the Women’s Health Units and presentation of bookmarks to mothers, and staff reminders of the importance of the benefits of breastfeeding.

The updated Breastfeeding Policy also will be available for public consultation.

Contact: Communications Unit (06) 350-8945