Policy, Power and Politics in Healthcare

This document discusses the importance of breastfeeding on health and the policy document formulated by the Australian Health Ministers Conference to promote breastfeeding rates across the country. It provides a policy analysis and critical discussion on the objectives and goals aligned with WHO benchmarks.

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Running Head: Policy, Power and Politics in Helathcare
POLICY, POWER AND POLITICS IN HEALTHCARE

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Policy, Power and Politics in Helathcare
Table of Contents
Introduction......................................................................................................................................2
Importance of breastfeeding on health............................................................................................2
Significant Statistics........................................................................................................................2
Reason for choosing the policy........................................................................................................3
Summary of the policy document....................................................................................................3
Policy Analysis................................................................................................................................4
1. Demonstrated understanding of policy issues.............................................................................4
2. Evidence of critical discussion and analysis................................................................................6
Conclusion.......................................................................................................................................8
References......................................................................................................................................10

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Policy, Power and Politics in Helathcare
Introduction
Significance of the policy problem
Apart from being a source of nourishment to the infant, breastfeeding initiated within the first
hour after work is also able to lower the risks of neonatal morbidity (Leeming, Marshall &
Locke, 2017). It offers protection from various infection and also sudden infant death syndrome.
It is also associated with lower risks of breast and ovarian cancer developed as the mother nears
the menopausal age. The decrease tendency to exclusively breastfeed one's child is posing as a
risk to both the mother and the child. If not acted upon immediately, the future will hold several
health risks for these children as well as their mothers.
Importance of breastfeeding on health
Breastfeeding has many benefits for both the mother and child. The mother's body prepares for
lactating much before the baby is born. Not breastfeeding the infant causes a sudden stop to the
preparation and the effects seem to be far-reaching.
Along with human evolution, the constituents of breastmilk has also changed to provide the baby
best possible nutrition along with immune protection, metabolism factors and growth regulators.
The neonate does have the capability to protect itself from various infections present in the
environment. Mother’s milk provides immuno-protection by giving the child ready-made
bioactive substances (Breastfeeding, 2017). Breast milk also contains hormones and growth
factors that promote growth and self-regulation of food and other metabolism regulators in the
baby’s body. Among instant neonatal benefits for the mother that breastfeeds their child have a
lower risk of maternal obesity and are likely to recover from the postpartum syndrome quickly.
In the long run, breastfeeding decreases the exposure to sex hormones in the mother’s body
which lowers the risk for developing breast cancer after menopause (Greer, Sicherer & Burks,
2019).

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Policy, Power and Politics in Helathcare
Significant Statistics
Breastfeeding provides babies with their start in life. It has various bioactive substances like fats,
proteins, carbohydrates, minor enzymes and immunoproteins. Australian guidelines, as well as
the WHO, recommends that babies need to be exclusively fed breast milk for the first 6 months
of their life (Who, 2016). After 6 months breast milk needs to be given along with
complimentary solid food. Breastfeeding is desired to be continued for up to 12 months (Aihw,
2015). The Australian National Breastfeeding Survey was one of the kind surveys that provided
statistics regarding breastfeeding and the practices, attitudes and barriers related to it. In the
survey, it was reported that about 90% of the babies in the age group of 0- 24 months had been
initiated to exclusively breastfeeding at an early age (Health, 2019). However, the rates dropped
to about 15% by the age of 5 months. This means that 85% of the babies had been initiated to
formula-based milk within six months. Only 47% of the babies had been fed only breastmilk
until 3 months. The report shows that the tendency to initiate formula-based milk or other solid
foods before the recommended age of 6 months were lower among mother aged above 35 years,
with tertiary education and belonging to higher income groups (Wcrf, 2019).
Reason for choosing the policy
The policy document was readily available on the web and was derived from a credible source. It
is formulated by the Australian Health Ministers Conference and was the first breastfeeding
strategy to be adopted in Australia. The policy document is uncomplicated and easy to go
through. Moreover, the data provided in the policy is well resourced and is in accordance with
the National Infant feeding survey organised in 2010. Also, the strategies follow the guidelines
and targets set by the WHO and make use of information gained from strategies used in other
countries as well (Who, 2016).
Summary of the policy document
The policy was created on behalf of the Australian Health Ministers Conference and identifies all
Australian nationals to embrace the policy to promote breastfeeding rates across the country. The
policy claims to be a launch of a strategy to combat a significant health-related barrier and cause

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Policy, Power and Politics in Helathcare
a health reform across the country (Wouk et al. 2016). The policy provides a framework for
setting up priorities and taking up actions by the government to protect, promote and support
breastfeeding among women. The framework includes a vision, objectives and principles.
The document begins with an executive summary that sets up the purpose of the document and
alludes to the Ministers’ conference in which the policy strategy was formulated. The document
comprises five chapters and an appendix (Kassianos et al. 2019). The first chapters introduce the
policy strategy by providing a background study about the problem. This includes the factors and
social norms attached to breastfeeding and pregnancy. As breastfeeding and women’s health is a
sensitive topic, it is essential to study the context and associated topics to understand the
phenomenon better. Chapter 2 examines the statistics and data collected from various surveys.
This brings the main issue to light. From the data and charts, it becomes clear how the exclusive
breastfeeding rates decline as the infant grows up. The data is also compared to various global
standards. The third chapters consist if the international policies and recommended practices
related to breastfeeding. This comparison helps the policymakers to choose the best possible
solution for a problem (Rollins et al. 2016). Chapter four discusses the best practice regarding
breastfeeding and backs it up with relevant evidence. The last chapter announces the strategy,
objectives, frameworks, governance system and implementation plan. In the end, the appendix
consists of possible barriers to breastfeeding.
Policy Analysis
1. Demonstrated understanding of policy issues
a. Formulate the problem
In order to formulate strategy and policy for an issue, it is essential to gain insightful knowledge
about it. A social issue or problem is caused due to an interplay for a variety of factors. In order
to devise a solution to the problem, it is important to understand the factors or barriers. Some of
the factors affecting breastfeeding have been presented.
● Demographic: Among mothers who are below the age of 25 the tendency to not
breastfeed their children is associated with lack of knowledge, comfort and a sense of
embarrassment (Sinha et al. 2015). Due to the lack of knowledge, information and social

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Policy, Power and Politics in Helathcare
environment regarding women’s health, they feel shy to overcome the problem. Am easy
resolution is to bottle feed their child and gradually stop breastfeeding them. Among the
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities, mothers and pregnant women have
even less access to key information regarding breastfeeding practice which is associated
with low breastfeeding levels.
● Physical: Mothers who are suffering from diseases like diabetes, are obese or
underweight or indulged in smoking and drinking during the pregnancy period, often
have low milk production which is not enough to sustain the infant. As a result, mothers
have to depend on solid foods and formula-based milk to feed the child (Balogun et al.
2016). Other physical problems like sore or painful nipples also prevent the mother from
breastfeeding the child. Sometimes, a child with a cleft palate is unable to latch on to the
nipple and suck.
● Psychological: There is a lot of public opinions regarding breastfeeding practices and
their significance. The general public due to various reason finds it uncomfortable to
breastfeed their children in the public or witness a mother do so. This is because of the
lack of information and realisation that breastfeeding is a human right of the child and its
mother (Cartwright et al. 2017). This general opinion often makes it difficult for the
mother to feel confident while breastfeeding their child, even within their home.
Other psychological issues consist of postpartum depression which is common among
mothers who have witnessed a big change in their lifestyle after giving birth. They often
feel it difficult to adapt to changes in their body and their life that has happened after
giving birth. As a result, mothers often develop depression which prevents them from
looking after their baby or breastfeeding them effectively (Schreck et al. 2017).
● Social: In some communities formula feeding their babies before the age of 6 months is
considered normal and is also promoted. Some mothers consider that the larger their baby
is more health it is. Formula food, unlike breastmilk, have a high quantity of fat which
causes the bay to gain body mass quickly. Mother perceive this as health growth change
and promote the use of formula food (Giugliani et al. 2015). Also, information related to
pregnancy and child-rearing is shared among local groups such as the family. Information
and practices are passed on from generation to generation without any consideration for
scientific knowledge. It is essential to provide information and raise awareness among

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Policy, Power and Politics in Helathcare
such communities to inculcate best practices that will help to improve the health of the
mother and the baby.
Mothers who are returning to work also find it difficult to breastfeed their child and also
work at the same time (Patnode et al. 2016). Therefore, the baby has to be fed artificial
milk until the mother is available to breastfeed.
● Clinical: One of the rising causes for decreasing breastfeeding is overexposure of
mothers and family members of the child to formula-based food. Advertisements of these
formula-based milk products often claim to be healthy and essential for growing babies
(Bibbins-Domingo et al. 2016). Mothers who are already facing any issue are likely to
switch immediately to these food products as they are unaware of the hazards. Also, the
advertisements provide no clear information about the age of the child who is fit to be
given this product. They market their products for infants below 6 months as well.
The practices that the mother uses to care for the child are sometimes instructed by the
hospital or nursing home where the delivery took place. In any case, any faulty
information was conveyed or the mother was unable to interpret the information
correctly, can also give rise to a barrier to breastfeeding (Patel & Patel, 2016).
● Environmental: Mothers often have to feed their babies formula based milk when they
are outside their house. This is because, public places often lack secluded area, where the
mother can breastfeed their infant in private. Mothers who feed their babies in the public
often have to face censure and criticism for it. As a result, babies have to be fed formula
food even before the recommended age. In case of mothers who are working in an
organisation, where there is no facility has breastfed the baby, or lactation breaks, lack of
appropriate place also have to refrain from exclusively breastfeeding their babies.
2. Evidence of critical discussion and analysis
a. Objectives and goals
The Breastfeeding association sets out to work to achieve a vision of Australia where
breastfeeding is identified as a human right by the public. It is supported, protected and promoted
by the government to safeguard the health of mothers and their babies (Sinha et al. 2017). It is
viewed and accepted as a necessary biological phenomenon and has no censure or criticism
attached to it. Through the policy and continues welfare work, the mother and the family of the

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Policy, Power and Politics in Helathcare
baby have essential information regarding child-rearing practices and implement them in their
life as well. The objective of the policy is to attain a condition where the number of mothers
breastfeeding their child is raised. Mothers are aware of the significance of exclusive
breastfeeding up to 6 months of age and complementary feeding along with breastmilk up to 12
months of age.
The strategy abides by certain principles which identify the health of the mother and the child as
the focal points of all activities and programs (Brockway, Benzies & Hayden, 2017). The policy
acknowledges the range of factors associated with breastfeeding and will work to overcome them
in a respectful manner. All the members of the country, irrespective of their cultural ethnicity
and income groups will be able to access the services and information under this strategy.
b. Aligning with WHO benchmarks
In accordance to the WHO International Code of Marketing of Breastmilk Substitutes and,
Australian national breastfeeding council has also taken steps to manage the advertisement and
marketing of formula-based food for children below the age of 6 months (Who, 2016). This
would help to decrease the exposure of mothers towards the substitutes as it causes the mother to
quickly switch over. The policy makes amendments to convey the significance of breastfeeding
to pregnant women and other women who want to start a family. The marketing and promotional
events will provide awareness among the general public. The policy does not target a specific
group of people or women. The awareness is identified to be a general right for the people and
will be helpful in achieving the vision of Australia where the general public and the government
work together to promote, protect, support and identify breastfeeding as a human right. The
aware programs will also provide with enough informational cues for them to be able to fluently
read the gestures and behaviour of the baby and be able to respond to them. Also, they will be
notified about the risks and correct way of using feeding bottles, pacifies and other oral toys and
utensils.
c. Decision parameters
● Resources: The government has ample resources and capital for breastfeeding strategy.
However, they do not have a prior knowledge of how much capital needs to be spent as
this strategy is the first of its kind. There is also no available information about how the
resources have been accessed and will be used. However, the policy document does put

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Policy, Power and Politics in Helathcare
forward clear set of goals, priorities, governance and implementation plan that will be
used to bring about the strategy.
● Timeframes: The policy is set for the year 2010 to 2015. The objectives need to be
achieved within the 5 years span. However, no specific targets have been identified
within the scope of the document. The main aim of the policy strategy is to achieve the
vision identified and work towards it. The policy will be renewed each year after
reviewing the impact. The impact of the policy and the barriers posed in the path will be
identified. This information will be used to plan the next policy and strategy for the next
5 year plan.
● Priorities: There has been no identified priorities amidst the public. On the other hand,
the policy identifies all the Australian nationals as its target audience. This is because the
vision identified in the policy will only be fulfilled by all the people. For the policy to be
fulfilled with its objective, the people of Australia will need to acknowledge and
understand the significance of breastfeeding and mothers will face know barriers while
breastfeeding their child.
d. Search for alternatives
● Best practice: Education programs and postpartum support systems can be established to
target mothers who have just given birth and require support to ease out the process of
breastfeeding. New mothers do not have a ready source of information available to them.
As a result, they have to overcome barriers on their own or just give up breastfeeding in
due time (Kassianos et al. 2019). By targeting new mothers and providing information
and training to them, the quality of nursing and care provided to baby can be improved.
● Expert opinion: Experts have identified with the association of cancer and breastfeeding
among mothers. The period of amenorrhea or the time when the mother is not going
through menstrual flow while she is lactating decrease the exposure to sex hormones. Sex
hormones and their overexposure in the body is related to cancer risks that develop in
women after the age of menopause. Extended breastfeeding period, which is regulated by
the body is a key measure to prevent the chances of breast cancer.
● Lobby groups: Under the Australian Breastfeeding Association, many local lobby
groups have been set up by volunteer. These groups support regional women and mothers

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Policy, Power and Politics in Helathcare
by providing them with an active source of information and opportunity to discuss their
problems and experience (Park & Ryu, 2017).
Conclusion
Breastfeeding is a natural biological activity engaged in by the mothers nourishing their babies.
The UN has declared breastfeeding as a human right of all babies who are in need of sustenance
and for mothers willing to feed their infants. However, for a variety of impactful factors, the
tendency to breastfeed one’s infant is decreasing in Australia. As a result, a need for the
breastfeeding policy was felt that would put forward a strategy to promote and safeguard the
breastfeeding rights among women.
After conducting a review of the strategy, it has become clear that it acts against a significant
health barrier that would have long lasting effects on mother and child. Moreover, the risks of
breastfeeding do not immediately manifest. As a result, as the children grow up to a significant
age, they are likely to develop many metabolic disorders like diabetes, obesity, leukemia and
even respiratory disorders. Among the mothers, breast and ovarian cancer after they menopause
is common. This will lead to a severe decline in community health down the line in future. The
policy strategy considers it more logical to resolve the issue at it budding stage and hence
promote breastfeeding to safeguard the health of mother, child and the community.
The policy strategy could also include several other initiatives and activities. Promoting
awareness is not enough as mothers who have more serious barriers to breastfeeding cannot
benefit much from them.
1. Establishing a human breast milk bank where breastmilk is donated by volunteering
nursing mothers who are able to produce more milk than their baby needs or the baby is
old enough to start eating solid foods. Moreover this not only helps babies whose mothers
are unable to produce enough milk but also decrease the chances of cancer among
mothers who donate.
2. Peer counselling can be used in social and culturally backwards groups who have a
cultural or social atmosphere where breastfeeding is viewed negatively or is associated
with barriers. Peer counselling is a more individualistic awareness activity that will focus
on mothers by relieving them of their reluctance to breastfeed.

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Policy, Power and Politics in Helathcare
3. Working to lower the advertisement or forcing the manufacturers of artificial milk for
babies to only make them advertise only the correct facts.
4. Encourage couples who are wanting to start a family to go through a education programs
where they are told about postpartum conditions and other essential details required for
raising a healthy child.

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Policy, Power and Politics in Helathcare
References
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Policy, Power and Politics in Helathcare
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Policy, Power and Politics in Helathcare
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