Issue - meetings

          Members of the Board received a report and presentation from the Director of Public Health which provided an update on the development of the Infant Feeding Services and the outcomes in Halton as a result of the investment from the Department of Health and Social Care through Family Hubs.

          The report outlined the benefits of breastfeeding but rates in Halton were significantly lower than the England average, despite slow and steady increases over the past 10 years.  Between 2014 and 2023, breastfeeding at 6-8 weeks increased from 21.8% to 25.7% in Halton.  The England average in 2023 was 49.2%.

          Halton’s Infant Feeding Team delivered antenatal infant feeding workshops, contact and visits new parents upon discharge from hospital.  It also facilitated breastfeeding groups and “introducing solid food” workshops.  The service also worked in partnership with the Family Hubs leads and Early Help officers and together facilitate groups and activities to promote and support breastfeeding. 

          Halton holds the Breastfeeding Friendly Initiative (BFI) accreditation status and the renewal would be completed in Summer 2025.  BFI accreditation demonstrates that settings meet the evidence based standards for supporting optimal infant feeding.  In addition to this, a significant focus had been placed on overcoming cultural barriers to breastfeeding in Halton and a number of approaches were in place to change this and these were outlined in section 3.11 of the report.

          The Board noted and discussed the information presented and subsequently the following additional information was noted:

·       There was no indication that the rising rates was due to expense, it appeared to be more around convenience and health benefits;

·       There were 18 fatherhood champions who inform Government policy, one of which was an Infant Feeding Specialist.  Dads are supported via the digital platform which gave hints and tips on how dads could support their partner; and

·       Infant feeding was second to smoking cessation as the most cost effective intervention.  Employers were encouraged to look at their policies for their staff. 

          RESOLVED:  That the Board note the importance of the continued partnership working in Infant Feeding Services across Halton.