March 2004

You’ve got a friend

The number of mothers exclusively breastfeeding their baby after they have completed their stay at Latrobe Regional Hospital has increased dramatically in the last two years.

More than 80 per cent of new mothers are now breastfeeding.

The increase, from 51 per cent in 2001, has been officially recognised by the World Health Organisation and UNICEF with the hospital receiving accreditation as a Baby Friendly Hospital from these organisations.

The Baby Friendly Hospital Initiative aims to give every baby the best start in life by creating a health care environment where breastfeeding is the norm.

Working towards the internationally-recognised BFHI accreditation required staff to address a series of steps to promote and support breastfeeding for those women who chose to breastfeed their babies.

All midwives are trained to support mothers with breastfeeding and specifically trained lactation consultants are on hand to address any particular concerns.