Abstract
Breastfeeding is the biological norm and an important health strategy. Breastfeeding prevalence in Australia is comparable to other high-income nations though duration falls short of national targets. The Baby Friendly Health Initiative (BFHI) is a global multi-faceted strategy that aims to create a positive breastfeeding “culture”.
International impact studies have identified a positive association between the initiative and breastfeeding trends however in Australia BFHI struggles to gain momentum with 19% of facilities currently accredited. Australian studies have identified several impediments: a misunderstanding of the initiative's aims, a discord with practice and organisational attitudinal issues. Critics have recommended redirecting any proposed funding as the initiative has not proven its applicability to the Australian context.
This poster discusses the social context in which feeding practices occur and explores the state of evidence on which the Baby Friendly Health Initiative is founded. The weight of evidence supporting breastfeeding is reconsidered to critique the current state of knowledge on which breastfeeding promotion activities are based. The challenge of successfully developing and reporting breastfeeding indicators is also examined. The impact of breastfeeding is then explored in order to examine the relationship between breastfeeding and BFHI practices.
International impact studies have identified a positive association between the initiative and breastfeeding trends however in Australia BFHI struggles to gain momentum with 19% of facilities currently accredited. Australian studies have identified several impediments: a misunderstanding of the initiative's aims, a discord with practice and organisational attitudinal issues. Critics have recommended redirecting any proposed funding as the initiative has not proven its applicability to the Australian context.
This poster discusses the social context in which feeding practices occur and explores the state of evidence on which the Baby Friendly Health Initiative is founded. The weight of evidence supporting breastfeeding is reconsidered to critique the current state of knowledge on which breastfeeding promotion activities are based. The challenge of successfully developing and reporting breastfeeding indicators is also examined. The impact of breastfeeding is then explored in order to examine the relationship between breastfeeding and BFHI practices.
| Original language | English |
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| Pages | s22-s23 |
| Number of pages | 2 |
| DOIs | |
| Publication status | Published - 2013 |
| Event | The Australian College of Midwives 18th Biennial Conference “Life, Art & Science in Midwifery” - Wrest Point Convention Centre , Hobart, Australia Duration: 30 Sept 2013 → 3 Oct 2013 |
Conference
| Conference | The Australian College of Midwives 18th Biennial Conference “Life, Art & Science in Midwifery” |
|---|---|
| Country/Territory | Australia |
| City | Hobart |
| Period | 30/09/13 → 3/10/13 |