Breastfeeding Friendly Spaces UPDATE Issue Eight
Big Latch on Celebrates Breastfeeding in Public To help promote breastfeeding as a normal part of everyday life, an impressive turnout of local Mums joined thousands of other women around the world recently to simultaneously breastfeed their pepi in public. Across the Bay of Plenty and Lakes region, a total of 221 breastfeeding mothers ‘latched on’ in a show of support for breastfeeding and for each other at various ‘Big Latch On’ events. The Big Latch on is a global event which is organised as part of World Breastfeeding Week (August 1-7), and this year a total of 20,864 women breastfed across the world at the same time. Toi Te Ora Public Health (Toi Te Ora) supports the Big Latch On and recommends that mothers exclusively breastfeed their babies for the first six months and then continue to breastfeed until a baby is at least one year old with the addition of solid food from six months. Dr Phil Shoemack, Medical Officer of Health at Toi Te Ora, says breastfeeding is important for the health and wellbeing of both a mother and her baby. “The Big Latch On is a good way to promote breastfeeding as a normal part of everyday life and show support for women who breastfeed.” Dr Shoemack adds, “Breastfeeding has health benefits for both mothers and their babies, and lays the foundation for a healthy life through adulthood.”
Papamoa Plaza was recently accredited as a Breastfeeding Friendly Space and hosted the Tauranga Big Latch On event. One mum in attendance said, “For me, breastfeeding is a very natural thing, but I know it's not for everyone.” She added, “Breastfeeding in public is something some mums don’t have the confidence to do, so it’s important to help all mums feel more comfortable to breastfeed.” If you would like to become breastfeeding friendly accredited, or if you know a space which may be interested, email breastfeeding.friendly@bopdhb.govt.nz
The Big Latch On: Local mums pack out Papamoa Plaza and show their support for breastfeeding by simultaneously latching on.
Breastfeeding is our Collective Responsibility Creating a supportive environment where mums feel comfortable to breastfeed is our collective responsibility. A 2016 study¹ asked 1,130 mothers with a baby aged between 0–2 years old, who planned to breastfeed at birth, about their attitudes to breastfeeding promotion and support. The study found a mother’s ability or enjoyment of breastfeeding was affected by the attitudes and knowledge of those around them (their partners, wider family, and peers). Those surveyed recognised they had the primary responsibility for breastfeeding, but acknowledged that without a network that encourages, supports and recognises the importance of breastfeeding, "Creating a supportive the journey was environment that enables women or would be more to breastfeed is our collective difficult. responsibility and only by working together will we help new mums The first few and babies" months after birth can be both exciting and overwhelming, and new families need lots of support.
There are a number of ways you can support a breastfeeding mum: • Learn about breastfeeding (why it is important, health benefits, how to breastfeed, common questions and challenges etc) • Help her get expert support if she needs it (ask a midwife or Well Child nurse) • Don’t suggest formula as a first solution, as this can reduce her milk supply • Help to look after her so she can look after her baby (bring her a drink, make sure she eats, do the housework, drive her to appointments or support groups etc) • Bond with the baby in other ways rather than with a bottle (a bath, a walk, or sit with her while she feeds baby) • Speak up if someone criticises her • Be comfortable around her when she is feeding. • Encourage her, tell her you are proud of her and she is doing a great job • If you see someone breastfeeding in public smile! A hungry baby is being fed. ¹ www.liebertpub.com/doi/10.1089/bfm.2015.0175
Supporting Breastfeeding on the Marae Raising tamariki on and around the marae is the perfect way to ensure they are connected to their heritage and whakapapa. Marae host many significant events for whānau, hapū and iwi and it’s important that mums and bubs are supported to continue breastfeeding, whatever the occasion. Records show that when early settlers arrived in Aotearoa, Māori mothers were only ever seen to offer breastmilk to their babies, often until they were walking. New mum, Erena Temara, experienced support to breastfeed her 8 week old son, Rukingi at a recent tangihanga (funeral) held on the marae. “He (Rukingi) was very grisly and I knew that he’d find comfort on my breast. Once
he latched, I looked around and a few of the older kuia (female elders) smiled and nodded, which made me feel supported by the whānau there.” Toi Te Ora has launched an online resource that supports marae to make the healthy choice the easy choice. The Hapū Hauora website (www.hapuhauora.health.nz) hosts a wide range of guidelines that include information for breastfeeding mums. Hapū Hauora facilitators engage with marae and discuss opportunities to influence the health and wellness of whānau, and offering nutritious kai is one example of how marae can support breastfeeding mums. Check out the website to learn more or email hapu.hauora@bopdhb.govt.nz
Young Mums Supported to Breastfeed While They Learn Young Mums attending Rotorua School for Young Parents and Rangiatea Whakatāne School for Young Parents (Rangiatea) are well supported to breastfeed while they learn after both schools recently achieved Breastfeeding Friendly accreditation from Toi Te Ora. Kaylah Bird breastfeeds her three
month old daughter Reign at Rangiatea
Rangiatea student, School for Young Parents. Kaylah Bird, shared with us her experience breastfeeding her three month old daughter Reign while she learns. Kaylah notes that while the first few weeks were hard, she persevered and it did get easier. In times where she was struggling, there were other mums at Rangiatea who offered her support, as well as teaching staff, and now she enjoys the bonding experience with her daughter while she feeds. Both schools provide a safe and comfortable place for young mums to breastfeed as some may not feel confident to breastfeed in public. Young babies are encouraged to stay with their mama as long as possible in the classroom, and to assist with this, staff offer to help look after pepe should their mama need to focus on their learning.
Erena Temara breastfeeds her 8 week old son Rukingi on the marae.
Is Your Workplace Breastfeeding Friendly? A mother’s decision whether to continue breastfeeding or not is often influenced by having to return to work. Did you know that workplaces have an obligation under the Employment Relations (Breaks, Infant Feeding, and Other Matters) Amendment Act 2008 where it is reasonable and practicable to support women who wish to breastfeed or express in the workplace? Workplaces can offer support to breastfeeding mums by providing extra breastfeeding break times and a private space with a power outlet for mothers who wish to breastfeed or express breastmilk. Supporting breastfeeding mothers is good for the workplace. Mothers who are able to continue breastfeeding are more likely to return to work, saving significant costs in recruitment and training. Babies who are breastfed get sick less often and working mothers take fewer days off to care for them. Check out this website for employers about Breastfeeding in the Workplace www.employment. govt.nz/hours-andwages/breaks/ breastfeeding-atwork Create a breastfeeding friendly workplace and support your breastfeeding mums who are returning to work
Key Messages For Staff For new staff on induction, those returning to work, or as an ongoing refresher, refer to these key messages about the benefits of breastfeeding.
Why is being Breastfeeding Friendly important? The Ministry of Health recommends that mothers exclusively/ fully breastfeed babies until around six months of age. After six months, breast milk is not enough on its own for a baby to grow and develop. Therefore breastfeeding should be continued until a baby is at least one year old with the addition of solid food from six months. Mothers may need help from their family, health services, workplace, childcare centres, and the wider community to feel encouraged and supported to breastfeed.
What are the benefits of breastfeeding?
Breastfeeding and breast milk helps protect babies from some childhood infections. Breastfeeding decreases the risk of sudden unexpected death in infancy (SUDI). Breastfeeding helps reduce the risk of obesity and may help reduce the risk of diabetes in later life. Breastfeeding is linked to optimal brain development. Breastmilk is free and readily available with no heating required. There is less risk of under or over feeding when breastfeeding. Breastfeeding forms a unique bond between the mother and baby. Breastmilk contains essential nutrients not found in infant formula.
What is Breastfeeding Friendly Spaces Accreditation? Since 2011, Toi Te Ora has offered Breastfeeding Friendly Spaces Accreditation to businesses, workplaces and health services across the Bay of Plenty and Lakes region. Breastfeeding Friendly Spaces Accreditation creates and sustains breastfeeding friendly environments with the goal of increasing breastfeeding rates and duration. Two hundred and fifty early childhood education services, workplaces, cafes, restaurants, retailers and libraries in Rotorua, Taupō, Western and Eastern Bay of Plenty have created supportive environments, and achieved Breastfeeding Friendly Spaces Accreditation. Overall, feedback indicates that mothers and their families are aware of these breastfeeding friendly spaces and know how to identify them where available. As part of Breastfeeding Friendly Spaces Accreditation, an advisor from Toi Te Ora will provide you with information, signage, training, and policy development review and support to assist you creating a supportive breastfeeding environment.
Recommended Storage Times For Breast Milk • Four hours room temperature • Two days in fridge • Four months (approximately) in freezer
Why should we support mothers to breastfeed in public?
Babies may need to be fed anywhere and at any time. It can be daunting to breastfeed in public. Some mothers have had negative experiences when breastfeeding in public. We need to help mothers feel comfortable about breastfeeding in public.
Did you know? Breastfeeding is an international human right. Mothers are permitted to breastfeed in public and at work under the Human Rights Act (1993) and international law. This means: Mothers have the right to breastfeed their baby anywhere, anytime.
So what can you do to be Breastfeeding Friendly?
Include a workplace policy in your orientation process that states you support mothers to breastfeed. Be supportive of mothers who breastfeed – Have a suitable space available for breastfeeding (not the toilet!) – Offer them a glass of water
Checklist
• Signed b reastfeedin g policy or signed p olicy that in cludes breastfeed ing with re view date • Staff aw areness of key breastfeed ing messag es • Comfort able space to breastfe is available ed • Support is in place for breastfeed ing mums (flexible break time s, private ar ea for breastfeed ing or expre ssing if needed) • Milk sto rage and h eating methods ar e available • Informati on is includ ed in ECE service enro lment/star ter packs • Signage is displayed • Reaccre dited every two years
Check Out a Breastfeeding Friendly Accredited Space Near You Early Childhood Education Services (ECE Services) Eastern Bay of Plenty • Awakeri Playcentre • Central Kids Strathmore Kindergarten – Whakatāne • Coastlands Preschool • Edubase • Kawerau Preschool Learning Centre • Mananui Playcentre • Matata Early Learning Centre • Pohutukawa Preschool • Port Ōhope Playcentre • Seedlings Preschool Edgecumbe • Te Pou Oranga ō Whakatōhea ECE Centre Ki Buchanan Street • Te Pou Oranga ō Whakatōhea ECE Centre Ki Richard StreetTe Waipuna Ariki o Matangireia • Waiapu Kids St Georges • Wairaka Playcentre • Waiapu Kids Homebased – Edgecumbe • Waiapu Kids Homebased – Kawerau • Waiapu Kids Homebased – Ōpōtiki • Waiapu Kids Homebased – Whakatāne
Western Bay of Plenty • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •
4woods Early Learning Centre ABC Bayfair ABC Greerton Tauranga ABC Katikati ABC Papamoa ABC Papamoa West ABC Tauranga Central Active Kids Early Learning Centre Arataki Kindergarten Ark Early Childhood Centre The Children’s Garden Childcare The Children’s Garden Preschool Community Kindy Parton Rd Community Kindy The Mount Community Kindy Welcome Bay Daisy Cottage Montessori Greenpark Playcentre First Steps Mount Maunganui First Steps Papamoa Friends on Fraser Little Sweethearts Montessori Lollipops Tauranga Matua Plunket Kindergarten Montessori at Bethlehem Montessori at Otumoetai OPEYS Education and Care Centre St Mary's Family Centre
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TopKids Mount Maunganui TopKids Ngatai Road Topkids Pyes Pa TopKids Waihi Road Topkids Welcome Bay Tutu Maori Home-Based Early Childhood Education • Waiapu Kids Merivale Whanau Aroha
Rotorua • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •
ABC Rotorua Central ABC Hillcrest ABC Kawaha Point ABC Monokia ABC Rotorua East ABC Rotorua Sunset Central City Quality Educare, Pukaki St Central City Quality Educare, Pukuatua St Central Kids Kindergarten- Helen Downer Harakeke Early Learning Centre Kidz World Brent Road Kidz World Maisey Place Kidz World Rutland Street Kiwi Educare Ltd Lake Okareka Preschool Inc Little Villa Mountain View Preschool Ngakuru Playcentre Ngongotaha Early Learning Centre Rotorua Childcare Inc Rotorua Girls High School Childcare Trust Rotorua School For Young Parents Community Childcare Centre Te Puna Akoranga o Ngati Whakaue The Ole Schoolhouse Childcare Centre Tiny Tots Educare Topkids Lynmore Topkids Pukuatua
Taupō
• Central Kids Hinemoa Taupō • BestStart Heuheu Street Kindy Community Kindy Richmond • Community Kindy Turangi • First Steps Abacus • My Treehut Early Learning Centre • Taupō Children's Corner Duncan Street • Taupō Children's Corner Lakewood Drive • Taupō Children's Corner Wheretia Street • Taupō Kids Community Centre • Taupō Family Playcentre • Taupō Educational Preschool Trust • Topkids Motutaiko • Topkids Totara Street • Wairakei Playcentree
Cafes and Restaurants Western Bay of Plenty
• Tauranga Library • Toi Te Ora Public Health
• Arena Cafe (ASB Baypark, Mount Maunganui) • Dry Dock Cafe • Grindz Cafe • Robert Harris Coffee Roasters (Tauranga) • Sober Camel Cafe • Spring St Cafe • The Daily Cafe • Vagabond Cafe
Rotorua
Rotorua
Taupō
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Le Cafe De Paris McDonalds Fenton Street McDonalds Fairy Springs McDonalds Te Ngae Rotorua Chipmunks The Bakehouse Cafe Wendy's
Taupō
• Kissa-Kai Japanese Cafe • Spoon and Paddle Cafe
Eastern Bay of Plenty • • • • • • • • •
Baxters Cafe Cafe4U Chinwags Cafe Columbus Cafe - The Hub Javaman Cafe Julians Berry Farm Kapai Kai Cafe, Ōpōtiki Poppys Cafe Robert Harris Coffee Roasters Whakatāne • The Village Bakery
Workplaces and Health Hauora Providers
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Linton Park Community Centre Mr. Rental Rotorua Community Link Rotorua District Library Rotorua Hospital Rotorua Plunket Clinic Rotorua School For Young Parents Manaaki Ora Trust - Tipu Ora Toi Te Ora Public Health
Awhi Midwives Taupō Awhi Midwives Turangi Modern Midwifery Taupō Hospital Taupō Plunket The Warehouse – Taupō Tuwharetoa Health Charitable Trust Waiora Community Trust (Taupō) Inc
Eastern Bay of Plenty
• Eastern Bay Primary Health Alliance • EastBay REAP • He Tohunga Ora Mo Rangitaiki –Te Teko Hauora • Kopeopeo Health Centre • PAK'N SAVE Whakatāne • Plunket Bay of Plenty • Phoenix Health Centre • Rangiatea Whakatāne Teen Parent Unit • Te Kōputu o te Whanga a ToiWhakatāne Horizon Energy Library • Te Pou Oranga O Whakatohea • Te Tari Ako Matua Taiohi Education Centre • Toi Te Ora Public Health • Tuwharetoa Ki Kawerau Health Education and Social Services Trust • Whakamax
Western Bay of Plenty • • • • • • • • •
Bethlehem Birthing Centre Edvance Greerton Library Mount Maunganui Library Pak N Save Papamoa Papamoa Library Papamoa Plaza Pirirakau Hauora Plunket Bay of Plenty
Local Breastfeeding Friendly Spaces Advisors For more on the Breastfeeding Friendly Spaces Accreditation visit our website www.ttophs.govt.nz/breastfeeding or contact one of your local Breastfeeding Friendly Spaces Advisors by emailing breastfeeding.friendly@bopdhb.govt.nz or calling 0800 221 555.
Download the free BreastFedNZ app for an interactive map of breastfeeding friendly spaces.
Bridget Chiwawa
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Sharon Coxon