Issue - items at meetings - Breast Feeding

Report of the Director of Public Health on breast feeding in the city (copy attached)

62.1    This item was introduced by Lydie Lawrence, Clare Jones and Lynda Watson from the city Public Health team.

62.2    In response to a question from the Chair regarding breastfeeding rates beyond 6-8 weeks, members were told that it was very difficult to collect data for this, as there is no prescribed contact point with new mothers which would support such collection – e.g. at 6 months. Locally, public health staff have worked with health visitors to collect robust data at 6 weeks, but there is little prospect of getting data for later ages. There is some national and international data for feeding at later ages, although some of this (e.g. WHO statistics) focuses on exclusive breastfeeding, whereas locally, most women, breastfeeding after 6 months are probably doing this in conjunction with bottle feeding.

62.3    In answer to questions from Cllr Carol Theobald on local feeding rates, the committee was told that rates had improved in recent years, with 80+ of new mothers in the city breast-feeding. It was difficult to say whether the average length of time that new mothers fed for had also increased, but this was likely.

62.4    In response to a question from Mr Brown as to whether cuts in funding were likely to impact on the service, members were told that funding was secure for 2012/13, although the service would always have to justify continued funding by its performance. However, reductions in the Sure Start programme were bound to impact upon breast-feeding rates.

62.5    In answer to a question from Cllr Gilbey on how best to encourage mothers to feel comfortable feeding in public, the committee was told that there were a number of means of conveying the message that there is no inappropriate place to breastfeed. These could potentially include ‘sticker’ campaigns for cafes etc, although it is doubtful whether the impact of this type of activity justifies the input required, and it can work perversely: i.e. by giving the impression that only business which have chosen to opt into a scheme offer suitable environments for breastfeeding. There is a very significant role to be played here by employers, particularly be the council and NHS trusts, in terms of supporting their employees to breastfeed.

62.6    In response to a question from the Chair on what was being done to spread local good practice, members were informed that a good deal has been done, including networking via the South East Infant Feeding Network (now discontinued) and the Baby Friendly Initiative.

62.7    The Chaired thanked the presenters for their contribution to the meeting and the committee offered their congratulations to the service for its excellent performance.