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2.4 Step 10 / Point 7

Birthing Facility Care

Step 10

Foster the establishment of breastfeeding support groups and refer mothers to them on discharge from the hospital or clinic.

Community-based Care

Point 7

Promote co-operation (collaboration) between healthcare staff (and volunteers), breastfeeding support groups and the local community (in order to promote, protect and support breastfeeding).

Promote collaboration among health services, and between health services and the local community. (NZ)


Find the policy statement relating to:

  • how mothers are informed of breastfeeding support and follow-up services in the local community
  • the referral system from the birthing facility to community-based health care

Implementation

Mothers in the birthing facility:

  • should be encouraged to be seen by a breastfeeding-knowledgable health professional within 2 - 4 days after leaving the birthing facility care
  • should be aware of how to get help for infant feeding when they leave the facility
    • from breastfeeding-knowledgable health professionals, AND
    • from breastfeeding peer counsellors or support groups
  • This information should be provided in a written format, as well as during discussions.

Mothers in the community should be aware of:

  • how to contact an appropriate health professional for support with breastfeeding
  • the out-of-hours support available for infant feeding issues and how to access it
  • how to contact a peer-counselling service and access local support groups, where available

The procedure to be followed should include

What should I remember?

  • your responsibility regarding breastfeeding support from health facilities in the community
  • your responsibility regarding volunteer or peer breastfeeding support