Point Four
Support mothers to establish and maintain exclusive breastfeeding
to six months
Exclusive breastfeeding: The infant has never, to the mother's knowledge, had any water, formula or other liquid or solid food. Only breastmilk, from the breast or expressed, and prescribed* medicines have been given from birth.
* Prescribed as per the Medicines Act 1981
During the assessment process, the health service should be able to demonstrate a consistent approach to supporting mothers in learning about initiating, establishing and maintaining exclusive breastfeeding. This includes provision for antenatal and postpartum education, breastfeeding assessment and assistance, referrals where required and connecting mothers with support in the community.
Health services in the community can influence the establishment of breastfeeding by:
| s | ensuring that mothers and babies are achieving optimal position and latch |
| s | educating parents on the importance of avoiding bottles, teats and dummies |
| s | educating parents about the negative effect that the introduction of partial feeding has on breastfeeding and the challenges of re-establishing breastfeeding after early weaning |
| s | educating parents about the benefits to breastfeeding, of keeping the baby near to the mother, and ways to facilitate safe co-sleeping (including bed sharing) |
| s | ensuring that mothers know how to express their breastmilk and to manage separation from their babies, should it be necessary. |
| s | ensuring that mothers and their families are connected with breastfeeding support networks and services in their community |
The Health Service must achieve a pass in all applicable questions in Point Four to meet the BFCI Standard
