Breastfeeding Policy Analysis

Running head: POLICY ANALYSIS
POLICY ANALYSIS
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1POLICY ANALYSIS
Introduction:
Breast milk is considered as the first infant food that is recommended to be given to
the baby till 6 months of age. It should be mentioned in this context that many medical
experts, including the American Academy of Paediatrics as well as the American college of
Obstetricians and Gynaecologists strictly recommend breast feeding up to 6 months (World
Health Organization, 2019). Breast milk supplies abundant nutrients to the infant. The
composition of breast feed includes a balanced proportion of vitamins, proteins and fat that
are integral to foster an optimal growth and development of the baby. Research studies
further mention that breast milk comprises of antibodies that strengthens the immune system
of the baby and helps to build defence against the viruses and bacteria (Who.int, 2019). Also,
breastfeeding reduces the risk of the baby to develop asthma or allergies. In addition to this,
research studies have further suggested that infants that breastfeed up to six months are at a
lower risk of developing ear infections, respiratory disorders as well as bouts of diarrhoea.
According to a research study conducted by Health.gov.au (2019), it has been mentioned
breastfeeding is tightly linked to better IQ scores in the later phase of childhood. Also, it
helps in establishing a stronger bond with the mother on account of parameters such as eye
contact, skin-to-skin contact and physical closeness. Research studies also mention that
breastfed adults develop the optimal body weight and do not become overweight (Who.int,
2019). Also, as stated by Who.int (2019), breastfeeding plays an integral role in preventing
sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS) and at the same time also lowers the risk of chronic
illness disorders such as diabetes, obesity and certain types of cancer.
It should be noted in this regard that breastfeeding also helps in burning extra calories
which helps the mother in losing post pregnancy body weight. Also, research studies mention
that breast feeding stimulates the activated release of the hormone oxytocin which directs the
process of return of the uterus to its initial pre-pregnancy size (Consultations.health.gov.au,

2POLICY ANALYSIS
2019). This further helps in reducing uterine bleeding post birth. Also, breastfeeding helps in
reducing the risks pertaining to breast cancer as well as ovarian cancer. It further minimises
the risk of developing osteoporosis. Therefore, on the basis of the evidence base, it can be
mentioned that breast feeding is beneficial for both the mother and the infant.
In this context, it is critical to note that the World Health Organization (2019), also
mentions that infants must be given breastmilk up to 6 month of age and after 6 months
breast feeding must be combines with complementary infant food till 2 years and beyond.
Also, the National Health and Medical Research Council suggests that breastfeeding must be
administered up to 6 months and henceforth must be continued in combination with
complementary infant food up to 12 months and beyond as per the wishes of the infant and
the mother. Current statistical evidence base suggests that breastfeeding in the Australian
context is below the recommended guideline (Australian Breastfeeding Association, 2019). In
accordance to the statistical report published by the Australian Institute of Health and
Welfare Consultations.health.gov.au (2019), a total of 96% mothers initiate breastfeeding.
This accounts for the reason why the exclusive rates of breastfeeding drop down. On an
average less than 39% of the babies are breastfed less than 39% (Health.gov.au, 2019). Also,
less than 15% of the babies are breast fed up to 5 months which is less than 6 months
(Pmc.gov.au, 2019). Further, the statistical report retrieved in the year between 2006 to 2007,
showed that within 12 months frame, 28% of the babies were being breastfed, at 18 months
9% of the babies were being breastfed and at 24 months, 5% of the babies were being
breastfed (Australian Breastfeeding Association, 2019). This suggests that the recommended
guideline with respect to breastfeeding was not being followed within the Australian context.
Therefore, on the basis of the available information it can be said that breastfeeding
policies in Australia needs to be revised so as to ensure compliance with the WHO guidelines
so as to promote a healthier outcome for the mother as well as the infants. A number of key

3POLICY ANALYSIS
health issues such as chronic illness disorders, neonatal screening and immunization has been
given substantial importance by the government and accordingly policies have been revised
(WebMD, 2019). However, policies in relation to breastfeeding has remained constant over
the years, which suggests that there is a need to review the existing policies in relation to
breast feeding in order to promote healthier outcome (Australian Breastfeeding Association,
2019). This accounts as the rationale why the policy in relation to breastfeeding has been
chosen for analysis.
The NSW breastfeeding policy intends to promote, protect and support aims to
provide a supportive framework for action in order to increase the protection, promotion as
well as support of breastfeeding within the NSW healthcare context. The actions are meant to
be undertaken by the Local Health Districts in between 2011 to 2015 so as to improve breast
feeding practices in NSW (Australian Breastfeeding Association, 2019). The policy is a
revised directive of the Australian National Breastfeeding strategy 2010 to 2015 which was
by the Australian Government in the year 2010 and reflects its continuous implementation
process (Australian Breastfeeding Association, 2019).
Policy Analysis:
The first breast feeding policy in relation to protection, promotion and support in
NSW was published in the year 2006 and the need for the formulation of the policy was
highlighted by the 2002 NSW childhood obesity summit (Australian Breastfeeding
Association, 2019). Since the initial publication, the policy has been amended once as per the
National Australian Breastfeeding Strategy 2010 to 2015. Considering the economic
framework,the creation of the policy was supported by the evidence base that stressed upon
the promotion of breastfeeding in order to meet the economic expense in relation to the added
medical expenditure that includes the physical health problems of being obese and