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Breastfeeding policy

This breastfeeding policy has been developed so that all women and infants at Mater Health Services receive the best environment to support their feeding method of choice. Through this policy, Mater Mothers’ Hospitals aim to maintain an adherence to the World Health Organisation (WHO) and United Children’s Fund (UNICEF) recommendations for the protection, promotion and support of breastfeeding as defined in the Baby Friendly Health Initiative (BFHI).

Policy statements:

  1. All staff will comply with practices which support adherence to the World Health Organisation’s Ten Steps to Successful Breastfeeding.
  2. Mater Health Services recognises the benefits of optimal infant and young child feeding through exclusive breastfeeding for the first six months followed by the appropriate introduction of solid foods, at this age, in addition to continued breastfeeding to 12 months and beyond.
  3. Mater Health Services will develop, implement and maintain practices to meet the global benchmark status of the Baby Friendly Health Initiative and those of the Australian National Breastfeeding Strategy 2010–15.
  4. Mater Health Services will adhere to the World Health Organisation’s International Code for the Marketing of Breast Milk Substitutes.
  5. Mater Health Services will provide rooming-in accommodation with the infant, where possible, when a breastfeeding mother requires admission to hospital.
  6. Compliance with this policy is mandatory for all Mater Health Services employees, volunteers and contractors who have interaction with pregnant women, mothers and their families and carers.
  7. All relevant staff will complete Mater Health Services’ Breastfeeding learning package.

A full copy of this policy is available on request from your midwife.

Mater acknowledges consumer consultation in the development of this patient information.
Mater Doc Num: PI-CLN-430092
Last modified 08/8/2017.
Consumers were consulted in the development of this patient information.
Last consumer engagement date: 18/1/2014
For further translated health information, you can visit healthtranslations.vic.gov.au/ supported by the Victorian Department of Health and Human Services that offers a range of patient information in multiple languages.
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