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LCQ13: Promotion of breastfeeding
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    Following is a question by the Hon Lee Wing-tat and a written reply by the Secretary for Health, Welfare and Food, Dr York Chow, in the Legislative Council today (May 23):

Question:

     Regarding the promotion of breastfeeding, will the Government inform this Council whether:

(a) it has studied the difficulties and limitations in providing breastfeeding facilities in major shopping centres, restaurants, civic centres and places of amusement; if it has, of the findings of the study;
 
(b) it has, according to the "Ten Steps to Successful Breastfeeding" issued by the World Health Organization, requested private hospitals to decline the offer of donation or sponsorship of free or low-priced breast milk substitutes; if so, of the details; if not, the reasons for that; and

(c) it has any plan to step up publicity on the benefits of breast milk to newborn babies; if so, of the details of the specific measures?

Reply:

Madam President,

(a) At present, baby-sitting and breastfeeding facilities are made available, according to needs, in some large shopping malls, department stores, hotels and government premises and facilities.  We will discuss with other government departments and the private sector for further promotion of breastfeeding and explore the need and feasibility of setting up more breastfeeding places.  To accommodate baby-sitting rooms and breastfeeding facilities in a building, a number of requirements must be met under the Buildings Ordinance with regard to the building's alterations, structure and maintenance.  To effect any alternations, consideration must be given to, among others, whether the locations of the relevant facilities will have a bearing on fire escape, and whether the provision of these facilities will increase the gross floor area of the building, etc.  Practical difficulties and constraints may vary from case to case depending on the actual circumstances.

(b) The Ten Steps to Successful Breastfeeding (the Ten Steps) co-published by the World Health Organization (WHO) and the United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF) advises that every facility providing maternity services and care for newborn infants should comply with the requirements outlined therein.

     To implement the recommendations in the Ten Steps, the Department of Health (DH) has formulated a Breastfeeding Policy and provided training for nurses and medical practitioners of Maternal and Child Health Centres so as to equip them with proper knowledge and skills to counsel mothers on breastfeeding.  In addition, the Hospital Authority (HA) has developed a set of breastfeeding manual for its Obstetric and Paediatrics Units to provide its staff with clear and standard guidance on breastfeeding.  Their health care personnel are also provided with training courses on breastfeeding so as to empower them with adequate knowledge to help mothers breastfeed their babies.  Guidance on breastfeeding is also available for mothers when they receive antenatal out-patient services provided by the DH and the HA.  Assistance on breastfeeding will be provided to them when they are in delivery rooms and postnatal wards.  Mothers will also be referred to breastfeeding support groups after discharge.

     The DH also encourages all hospitals to promote proper use of breastmilk substitutes in compliance with the International Code of Marketing of Breastmilk Substitutes (the Code) promulgated by the WHO and the UNICEF.  In addition, the HA set up a Baby Friendly Hospital Steering Committee in 2002, which is responsible for formulating breastfeeding strategies for hospitals under the HA.  The Committee is now considering purchasing milk powder by tender and requiring the milk powder suppliers to observe the Code by using appropriate means to market their breastmilk substitutes.

(c) The DH has, in collaboration with the HA and other stakeholders, promoted the benefits of breastfeeding through various channels, including offering advice and relevant information on breastfeeding to pregnant women, producing Announcements in the Public Interest for broadcast on television and radio, producing leaflets and VCDs, organising workshops and seminars on breastfeeding for both pregnant women and mothers, setting up promotional booths in baby product fairs to promote breastfeeding and organising other promotional activities.  The DH will continue to work with other stakeholders in an effort to encourage more mothers to choose breastfeeding.

Ends/Wednesday, May 23, 2007
Issued at HKT 14:26

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