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Free bibs to promote breastfeedingWorld Breastfeeding Week will be celebrated in more than 120 countries around the world next week and Waikato District Health Board is getting in on the action too. Each woman who gives birth in a Waikato birthing facility during the week will receive a free breastfeeding bib for their newborn along with some supportive information about the importance of breastfeeding. The bibs have a cartoon baby with milk on his upper lip and the words “my breast friends” embroidered onto them. Waikato DHB Healthy Eating Healthy Action (HEHA) project director Janet Hanvey says the bibs are a subtle way of saying that milk from mum is best for babies to give them a better start to life. “Breastfeeding creates a special bond between mother and baby in the early months of life and if continued is proven to provide health benefits too. “Women who breastfeed are less likely to suffer from breast and ovarian cancers, and from post partum haemorrhaging. It may also help with losing the weight gained during pregnancy. “Breastfed children are less likely to have tummy upsets, respiratory and ear infections and it also helps reduce the risk of obesity, diabetes and cardiovascular disease in baby’s later life,” Ms Hanvey said. In New Zealand, the number of breastfed infants is low at six weeks of age, especially among Maori and Pacific women. The theme for this year’s breastfeeding awareness week is “Mother Support: Going for Gold” and coincides with the recently launched Ministry of Health’s breastfeeding campaign that is calling for wider societal support of breastfeeding. Waikato DHB is supporting the campaign locally as part of its HEHA project by actively encouraging all Waikato mothers to exclusively breastfeed their children for at least six months after birth. But Ms Hanvey acknowledges it isn’t possible for everyone. “Breastfeeding may not be easy for everyone, but continuing to do it is definitely worth it – for mum and baby. “Some women may experience difficulties with breastfeeding and we encourage them to seek support. For others it may become difficult with work commitments after maternity leave,” she said Waikato Hospital is also hosting a “Big Latch On” event for mothers currently in hospital and their babies to participate in an attempt to break the record for the most women breastfeeding simultaneously across New Zealand, set at 937 last year. ENDS Date: 31 July 2008 Notes: A photograph of the bibs is available from the photo library of this website or by request. Birthing facilities that will be offering free bibs are: Contact: Ashleigh Peek |
