> 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 but do not quote me on that)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
>

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