I am sending you the url for this latest document from the Department of
Health in England.

This document reflects the latest thinking within health care system here.
 Breastfeeding has assumed much greater importance in public health and
every local health body (Primary Care Trust) is required to report on the
rate of women breastfeeding at 6-8 weeks.  This indicator is one of a set
which makes up the 'report card' for the PCT and influences its rating as
a PCT.  This has focussed minds mightily on breastfeeding.

The official recommendation is that every area should have paid peer
breastfeeding supporters, and also that every hospital and every community
area should be working to attain Baby Friendly status as quickly as they
can.

I know that these drivers are quite powerful: my own job in public health
has come about because of these topline Department of Health policies and
also because breastfeeding is seen as one of the very important measures
-- and one of the preventative measures -- to combat childhood and adult
obesity.

Anyway, the document is here at:

http://www.dh.gov.uk/prod_consum_dh/groups/dh_digitalassets/documents/digitalasset/dh_106497.pdf

obviously it relates to our contry conditions, but some of you with a more
strategic type role might find it worth reading.

My favourite statement (I have only read it once quickly) is:

"Breastfeeding saves lives and protects the health of mothers and babies
both in the short and long term."

this is a plain statement and represents our Department of Health being
very very clear about this as a national priority!

Hurrah!

Magda Sachs
Infant Feeding Coordinator, Public Health, Salford

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