EAT FOR HEALTH Australian Dietary Guidelines

EAT FOR HEALTH – AusTRALiAn diETARy guidELinEs

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Guideline 4

5.5 Practice guide for Guideline

Table 4.3: Considerations in encouraging, supporting and promoting breastfeeding

Strategy Considerations

Increased duration of

breastfeeding

•   Encourage exclusive breastfeeding until around 6 months of age when solid

foods are introduced

•   Encourage the continuation of breastfeeding while solid foods are introduced

until 12 months of age and beyond, for as long as the mother and child desire

Antenatal education •   Information should include the benefits of breastfeeding and the risks of not

breastfeeding to mothers, fathers and primary carers, as well as principles

of lactation, myths, common problems and their solutions

Hospital support of

breastfeeding

•   Promote the principles of the Baby Friendly Hospital Initiative including:

• Measures to encourage initiation of breastfeeding include early
  skin-to-skin contact, rooming-in and breastfeeding on demand


• Staff should be trained in skills to support initiation of breastfeeding
  and resolution of any early problems


• Discourage interventions that interfere with establishing lactation
  e.g. the use of artificial teats or pacifiers

Community support of

breastfeeding

•   Seek to address breastfeeding problems in the first few weeks. Encourage

mothers to seek support from community health nurses, voluntary

organisations (such as Australian Breastfeeding Association helpline) and GPs

•   Community acceptance and support of breastfeeding should be encouraged

Where to next?

Everyone should prepare and store food safely; however particular care should be taken when handling food

intended for consumption by those at increased risk of foodborne illness, such as pregnant women, infants,

older people and people with certain medical conditions. The next chapter discusses how incorrect handling

or storage of food can contribute to food poisoning and poor health outcomes.