KEY POINTS:
A breastfeeding plan announced yesterday is a step in the right direction for New Zealand, says World Health Organisation nutrition specialist Randa Saadeh.
Ms Saadeh, in Wellington for the launch of the National Strategic Plan of Action for Breastfeeding, said it would ensure mothers got good support when they needed it.
The plan is aimed at improving breastfeeding rates and creating supportive environments for breastfeeding.
National Breastfeeding advisory committee chairwoman Norma Campbell said breastfeeding rates started to decline after four to six weeks. She said one reason was because mothers started to return to work.
A more flexible working environment, extended paid parental leave and a room to breastfeed at work would help mothers to breastfeed longer, she said.
Ms Campbell said the strategy would aim to have more baby-friendly environments.
Women should not feel they had to give up breastfeeding when they returned to work.
Associate Minister of Health Damien O'Connor opened the proceedings and said that in 2006 about 66 per cent of babies were exclusively breastfed at six weeks.
The aim was to increase that to 74 per cent.
He said the decline around six weeks was mainly because of a lack of support.
- NZPA
