>  All I could say was, keep on doing
>what you're doing.  AND consider putting BF initiation rates into your
>annual report, since every other imaginable feature and outcome of care was
>already included there.


Good stuff, Rachel - yes, I think there is evidence from all over
that good institutional practice can short-circuit the cultural and
very slow march towards breastfeeding (to mix my metaphors....).

This is what Baby Friendly is very good at, and I think recording
what actually happens is vital, as it is so rewarding for staff who
have been working hard, to see it reflected in the stats.

Baby Friendly is good, because it means no one is waiting for
attitudes to change. I've said this before - attitudes are important,
but in a hierarchical place like a maternity unit, where staff can be
told what to do, it is a heck of a lot quicker to change behaviour.
And then the attitudes change...hopefully...as staff see what happens.



>There is a national concern about the nutritional
>status of the population and increasing BF rates is part of national health
>goals.


And good government support is essential, too - especially if they
put their money behind it.

Heather Welford Neil
NCT bfc Newcastle upon Tyne UK

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