> Hi all > > I heard on the national radio (Australian Broadcasting Corporation) that the > National Nutrition advisory board has offically announced that a baby who is > recieving adequate breastmilk does not need any other food source till after > six months. They also announced that some breastmilk is better than no > breastmilk. They actively encouraged mothers who return to work should be > encouraged to express their milk. Artifical baby milk is the only other > food a baby (who is not recieving adequate breastmilk) should have before 6 > months. > > It was also clear that dairy should not be introduced till the baby is at > least 12 months. > > Interestingly, because of the growing numbers of obese children (3 year olds > included), they recommend that reduced fat milk be introduced at 2 years. > Previously they recommended full fat milks till much later (I think it was 5 > but do not quote me on that) > > There was some talk from the Minister of Health about mothers not feeling > guilty if they gave baby artifical milk (really sounded to me that they > wanted to be politically correct in the interview) The Health Minister threw > the desire in though to embrace the new guidelines (as they are called here) > as it has been 10 years since the old ones have been reviewed (we have seen > moves from the idea of the food pyramid to food groups then fat, salt and > sugar models to the current food jigsaw guidelines (as it was announced as). > I have not seen the need guidelines nor the puzzle but was overjoyed to hear > the unmistakable affirmation of WHO breastmilk recommendations (at least in > part) and what we have all known to be the truth and faithfully presented > for so long. > > I just hope that the HP's catch on and see some money going toward support, > information and education programs that will see growing numbers of women > confidently, unashamedly breastfeeding babies and toddlers in public. Lets > keep on chipping away. Changes are happening. > > Breastfeeding is generally accepted here but I suspect that the majority of > women still do not believe that their bodies will nurish their baby > optimally and many myths are still alive. Thankfully there are groups here > like Australian Breastfeeding Association, growing numbers of IBCLCs in > hospitals, child health and private practise and a growing intersest in Baby > Friendly. I am grateful for all this and lactnet who helps me keep the > vision and dream alive of contented, happy and confident mother and baby > supported by a proud dad and caring community. (I said it was a dream and > vision. I think that we forget that our role is to be a part of that care - > for many of us our empathy, listen and caring is a major part of that care > in the mothers eyes and for many women who come to us our help has been a > life line). > > Kind regards > Ruth Fiedler > Breastfeeding Counsellor, Australia > *********************************************** To temporarily stop your subscription: set lactnet nomail To start it again: set lactnet mail (or digest) To unsubscribe: unsubscribe lactnet All commands go to [log in to unmask] The LACTNET mailing list is powered by L-Soft's renowned LISTSERV(R) list management software together with L-Soft's LSMTP(TM) mailer for lightning fast mail delivery. For more information, go to: http://www.lsoft.com/LISTSERV-powered.html