The importance of being breastfed
The Department of Health has supported the promotion of breastfeeding for some time now and continues to do so in the increasing recognition of its role in supporting healthy weight and tackling obesity in children later in life. Breastfeeding also, of course confers many other benefits including reduction in gastrointestinal problems, asthma and other infections. Evidence is also emerging that breastfeeding can positively influence a child’s IQ.
The NHS now collects data of the numbers of mothers starting to breastfeed and from September 2008 will record the numbers still breastfeeding at 6-8 weeks. It is recommended that babies are exclusively breastfed for six months. To support the NHS and others delivering to these targets, the regional ‘Healthy Weight Programme’ is developing a regional strategy and feedback from delegates at this Conference will be used in this process.
The Conference brought together a number of national, regional and local speakers to present national targets, evidence for good practice and regional work as well as examples of good practice in local delivery including a specially adapted bus to encourage mothers to breastfeed in less accessible areas. 150 delegates attended from all parts of the South East region.
For more details of the information and projects presented please consult the Conference programme and individual presentations available below.
Here are some of the comments from the feedback evaluations we received:
“Good venue and lovely lunch - many thanks for a great day”
“Excellent day, stimulating and thought provoking. Great for networking. Will keep in contact with delegates to improve practice.”
“Excellent venue. Well organised, good mix of structure and discussion. Lovely lunch! Nice to be treated this way.”
“Lots of information but not enough time. Very good to have lots of ideas in the same rooms.”
“There wasn't enough opportunity to network, there is so much good practice to share. Insufficient time for questions.”
“A thoroughly motivating, updating and informative day. Thank you!”
