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Maternal and infant nutrition
The Government is fully committed to the promotion of breastfeeding, which is accepted as the best form of nutrition for infants to ensure a good start in life. Breastmilk provides all the nutrients a baby needs. Exclusive breastfeeding is recommended for the first six months of an infant's life. Six months is the recommended age for the introduction of solid foods for infants. Breastfeeding (and/or breastmilk substitutes, if used) should continue beyond the first six months along with appropriate types and amounts of solid foods. Mothers who are unable to, or choose not to, follow these recommendations should be supported to optimise their infants’ nutrition.
Healthy Start
The new Healthy Start scheme is launched UK-wide
The Welfare Food Scheme is being replaced by a new scheme called Healthy Start from 27 November 2006.
Infant formula sales through Welfare Food Scheme have ended
From Monday 28 November 2005 NHS Clinics and Welfare Food Distribution Clinics should not be selling infant formula at £4.25 to families holding an NHS Tax Exemption Certificate.
Infant formula milk
Advice on infant milks based on goats' milk
Infant milks based on goats’ milk protein will no longer be sold in the UK, the deadline for ceasing sales has been extended to 1 March 2007.
Department of Health and Food Standards Agency revised guidance for health professionals on safe preparation, storage and handling of powdered infant formula
Powdered infant formula is not a sterile product and may be contaminated with pathogens that can cause serious illness. Correct preparation and handling reduces the risk of illness.
Survey of formula milk advertising
The Department of Health has recently conducted a survey to explore the understanding and perceptions of infant formula and follow-on formula advertising in the UK amongst pregnant women and mothers of children under one year.
Breastfeeding
Breastfeeding and the NHS Priorities and Planning Framework 2003-2006
A target has been set to increase breastfeeding initiation rates by 2% points a year through the NHS Priorities and Planning Framework 2003-2006.
Breastfeeding Initiation Rates
To enable achievement of the PPF target to be measured the Department of Health has published Local Delivery Plans which require the NHS to return local data on breastfeeding rates. The data for Q1 2006/07 has now been published.
National Breastfeeding Awareness Week
Campaign focused on young mothers and mothers-to-be who are least likely to breastfeed.
National Network of Breastfeeding Co-ordinators (NNBC)
The National Network of Breastfeeding Co-ordinators (NNBC) group was established in 1995. The NNBC includes representation from professional bodies, voluntary organisations as well as regional breastfeeding co-ordinators.
Breastfeeding practice projects
A three-year Maternal and infant nutrition Initiative has been successfully completed as part of the Government’s Public Health policy to improve health inequalities. As part of this initiative 79 infant feeding projects were supported through the Public Health Development Fund. The projects were specifically aimed at increasing breastfeeding rates amongst populations who were least likely to choose to breastfeed. The majority were local projects looking at best practice & practice development. Emphasis was placed on partnership working and sustainability.
Auditing tool for use by NHS trusts, developed to give a 1-2 week snapshot of local breastfeeding data and practice.
The Health Ministers have agreed with FSA‘s advice and at present have decided not to proceed with the mandatory fortification of flour with folic acid due to outstanding concerns about vitamin B12 deficiency in older people.
DH guidance publications for health professionals and leaflets to help mothers breast- or bottle-feed.
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