A Vision for Breastfeeding in Suffolk

Dr Amanda Jones Assistant Director of Public Health

Lead Consultant Health protection & Health Improvement

This Lunchtime•Why we should invest in Breastfeeding

•What our peer local authorities have achieved

•Four environmental barriers to breastfeeding in Suffolk

•What can each of us can do to improve breastfeeding in Suffolk? (workshops)

The evidence

The UK has some of the lowest breastfeeding rates in the world.

A recent UNICEF report suggests that investment in supporting women to breastfeed will improve the quality of life for women and for children

The evidenceIf 45% of women in the UK exclusively

breastfed for four months, and if 75% of babies in neonatal units were breastfed at discharge it

is estimated that there would be: • 3,285 fewer gastrointestinal infection-related hospital admissions • 5,916 fewer lower respiratory tract infection-related hospital

admissions • 21,045 fewer ear infections requiring a GP consultation• 361 fewer cases of the potentially fatal necrotising enterocolotis

The effect on these 4 conditions alone could save the NHS over £17 million each year.

Increasing Breastfeeding will decrease breast cancer

• If half the women in the UK who do not breastfeed now were to do so for up to 18 months in their lifetime there would be 865 fewer breast cancer cases

Other counties similar to Suffolk are doing better

Somerset Wiltshire Gloucestershire Suffolk0.0%

10.0%

20.0%

30.0%

40.0%

50.0%

60.0%

70.0%

80.0%

90.0%

Initiation 6-8 weeks

For 2012/13

Four elements which negatively impact on Breastfeeding in Suffolk

• Perceived views of the community

• The work environment for mothers going back to work

• Lack of exposure to breastfeeding

• Formula milk companies

Perceived views of the community

50% of mother’s do not breastfeed in Suffolk.

From mothers surveyed these are the reasons why mothers do not breastfeed:

Physically unable to 10%Convenience 23%Laziness 11%Lack of education / Support 17%Embarrassment / Fear 22%Other 17%

• Here is one women telling us about her experience

Perceived views of the community

Street survey

Do you think Breastfeeding is a good idea?

Yes 96% No 4%

Reasons why breastfeeding is good idea?Best start for baby 83%Cost and convenience 10%Other 7%

Mothers going back to workMothers going back to work

• Work place Regulations and Approved Code of Practice require employers to provide suitable facilities for pregnant and breastfeeding mothers to rest

• Many work places do not have facilities for women who want to express

• They need privacy, to wash their hands, to store expressed milk

• Support can include employers offering flexible hours, part time-time work or job share

Lack of exposure to breastfeeding

Reasons:• 64% It’s Natural•21% of people would not be offended to see an uncovered breast but think it should be discreet•13% said they would not be offended but it depends on the environment•2% Other

I wouldn’t be offended to see an uncovered breast because:

Formula milk companies

• Be aware of the power of these organisations

• Minimise their impact by providing counter arguments whenever possible

• Offering breastfeeding friendly environments

Some things public sector organisations in Suffolk can do to improve breastfeeding.

• Create breastfeeding friendly return to work policies

• Ensure services you contract recognise the benefit of breastfeeding

• Ensure there are breastfeeding areas in facilities you own or manage

In 2010 Bristol was designated the first Unicef baby-friendly city in the UK

Worcestershire has a breastfeeding

approved businesses scheme

Have online details of all their walk in breastfeeding

support sessions

Hull have an a dedicated website

iBreastfeed

Our vision Within 2 years we want to increase

breastfeeding at 6-8 weeks by almost 6% - so that 54% of mothers breastfeed.

Then we want to continue to increase until 2/3 of mothers in Suffolk breast feed.

• What can you do to help?