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12/05/2003
National breastfeeding week launched
Following the latest World Health Organisation guidance, the Department of Health has issued a new recommendation to support women breastfeeding, as part of National Breastfeeding Awareness Week which runs from 11-17 May.
The new recommendation states that breastfeeding is the "best form of nutrition for infants".
Key professional bodies including the Community Practitioners and Health Visitors Association and the Royal College of Midwives have given their support for the new recommendation.
There are, the government say, proven health benefits to breastfeeding for both child and mother in the short and long term. Babies who are breastfed have a lower risk of gastroenteritis and respiratory and ear infections. There is some evidence that long-term breastfeeding may help mothers lose the excess weight they gain during pregnancy and children who are breastfed may be at lower risk of becoming obese later in childhood. Also the risk of pre-menopausal breast cancer in mothers is reduced the longer they breastfeed.
Public Health Minister Hazel Blears said: "We want to give a clear and consistent message to mothers, health professionals, and the general public. Breastfeeding for the first six months provides the best start for babies. It establishes a foundation for improving short and long-term health and in so doing can help to reduce health inequalities. We want to support women in their decision to breastfeed and help them continue to do so. This recommendation is part of that commitment."
National Breastfeeding Awareness Week was launched in 1993 to raise awareness of the health benefits of breastfeeding, to increase social acceptance of breastfeeding and promote support for breastfeeding. It is run annually and is promoted through the NHS.
The government has committed itself to the promotion of breastfeeding as the best form of nutrition for infants. Increased support for breastfeeding is included in the NHS plan and the Government target is to increase breastfeeding initiation rates by 2% points per annum through the NHS Priorities and Planning Framework, with a specific focus on women from disadvantaged groups.
(GMcG)
The new recommendation states that breastfeeding is the "best form of nutrition for infants".
Key professional bodies including the Community Practitioners and Health Visitors Association and the Royal College of Midwives have given their support for the new recommendation.
There are, the government say, proven health benefits to breastfeeding for both child and mother in the short and long term. Babies who are breastfed have a lower risk of gastroenteritis and respiratory and ear infections. There is some evidence that long-term breastfeeding may help mothers lose the excess weight they gain during pregnancy and children who are breastfed may be at lower risk of becoming obese later in childhood. Also the risk of pre-menopausal breast cancer in mothers is reduced the longer they breastfeed.
Public Health Minister Hazel Blears said: "We want to give a clear and consistent message to mothers, health professionals, and the general public. Breastfeeding for the first six months provides the best start for babies. It establishes a foundation for improving short and long-term health and in so doing can help to reduce health inequalities. We want to support women in their decision to breastfeed and help them continue to do so. This recommendation is part of that commitment."
National Breastfeeding Awareness Week was launched in 1993 to raise awareness of the health benefits of breastfeeding, to increase social acceptance of breastfeeding and promote support for breastfeeding. It is run annually and is promoted through the NHS.
The government has committed itself to the promotion of breastfeeding as the best form of nutrition for infants. Increased support for breastfeeding is included in the NHS plan and the Government target is to increase breastfeeding initiation rates by 2% points per annum through the NHS Priorities and Planning Framework, with a specific focus on women from disadvantaged groups.
(GMcG)
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23 September 2003
Guidance for women's mental health strategy launched
Health Minister, Rosie Winterton, today launched guidance for a Women's Mental Health Strategy during a visit to Mental Health services in Sheffield. Social isolation and poverty are much more common in women, as is the experience of child sexual abuse, domestic violence and sexual violence, the minister said.
Guidance for women's mental health strategy launched
Health Minister, Rosie Winterton, today launched guidance for a Women's Mental Health Strategy during a visit to Mental Health services in Sheffield. Social isolation and poverty are much more common in women, as is the experience of child sexual abuse, domestic violence and sexual violence, the minister said.
06 May 2009
UK Adopts New Growth Charts Based On Breast-Fed Babies
All newborn babies and children up to four years old will have their growth measurements plotted on new charts from this week.
UK Adopts New Growth Charts Based On Breast-Fed Babies
All newborn babies and children up to four years old will have their growth measurements plotted on new charts from this week.
08 February 2005
Review of mental health nurses announced
The Chief Nursing Officer (CNO) has announced plans for a new framework for mental health nursing. CNO Chris Beasley said that the review of mental health nursing would look at a number of issues, including race equality, health promotion, child protection and the development of non-medical prescribing.
Review of mental health nurses announced
The Chief Nursing Officer (CNO) has announced plans for a new framework for mental health nursing. CNO Chris Beasley said that the review of mental health nursing would look at a number of issues, including race equality, health promotion, child protection and the development of non-medical prescribing.
20 June 2005
Government launches consultation on smoking proposals
The government is to begin consultation on proposals to ban smoking in most public places in England. The government hopes that the consultation will lead to a Bill being introduced in the autumn. The ‘Choosing Health’ Public Health White Paper published last November, unveiled proposals to ban smoking in all enclosed public spaces and workplaces.
Government launches consultation on smoking proposals
The government is to begin consultation on proposals to ban smoking in most public places in England. The government hopes that the consultation will lead to a Bill being introduced in the autumn. The ‘Choosing Health’ Public Health White Paper published last November, unveiled proposals to ban smoking in all enclosed public spaces and workplaces.
28 May 2014
More People Accept NHS Health Check
More people than ever before are accepting the offer to attend an NHS Health Check according to new figures from Public Health England (PHE). The figures, published today, show that in the last year over 1.
More People Accept NHS Health Check
More people than ever before are accepting the offer to attend an NHS Health Check according to new figures from Public Health England (PHE). The figures, published today, show that in the last year over 1.
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Northern Ireland WeatherThis Evening and Tonight:Mostly cloudy with showery outbreaks of rain reaching parts of Antrim and Down later this evening, The showers will extend westwards overnight, clearing from most places by morning. Minimum temperature 7 °C.
