Statistics show that Malta has the fourth lowest breastfeeding rate in Europe. The rates for exclusive and mixed breastfeeding have increased from 45 per cent in 1995 to 71 per cent in 2012, but the exclusive breastfeeding remains at 55 per cent on discharge from hospital after delivery.
The National Breastfeeding Policy and Action Plan 2015-2020, launched this week, seeks to increase the initiation of breastfeeding rates and support the family of the breastfed child. Last year, the government launched a public consultation on the draft policy, which received a substantial response.
The benefits of breastfeeding
Both mother and child benefit from breastfeeding. Women who breastfeed are less likely to develop breast cancer before menopause, ovarian cancer, osteoporosis and coronary heart disease. Psychologically, breastfeeding is associated with lower rates of postpartum depression – a common condit6ion which can be serious.
On the other hand, babies who are breastfed have a reduced risk of developing diarrhoeal or respiratory illness, chronic disease and diabetes. The chances of asthma, childhood leukaemia and urinary tract infections are also reduced.
Children who were not breastfed are more likely to become obese. By 2020, it is estimated that obesity will be costing Malta €35 million year.
“The idea is to educate mothers about the advantages of breastfeeding and support those who decide to do so – and even those who decide not to. We also need to facilitate breastfeeding – particularly for mothers who want to go back to work – introducing breastfeeding rooms in places of work and public places,” Parliamentary Secretary Chris Fearne said, in an interview with The Malta Independent.
A breastfeeding room has recently been made available in the President’s palace in San Anton and a number of Ministries also have a room for this purpose.
“This calls for a change in lifestyle, but we can facilitate that. The main influence is within the family: parents providing a good example to young children. On a larger scale, not allowing smoking in places of entertainment has resulted in a reduction in the rate of heart attacks and strokes. In state schools, children are not being allowed to drink sugary drinks,” Dr Fearne explained. “Ultimately, it is the individual that takes the decision, but we can try to encourage that mentality,” he said.
Available support
Support is available for those who are thinking of breastfeeding, or need help to do so. Four lactation-trained midwives are available at the Breastfeeding Walk-In-Clinic at Mater Dei and over 8,000 women used the clinic’s services in 2014.
A module entitle Trends in Infant Feeding has now been included in the Bachelor of Science Course in Midwifery at the University of Malta and all midwives and nurses working in maternity sections are required to take the Breastfeeding Management Course.
Maltese law imposes restrictions on the advertising and sales promotion of infant formulas. Point-of-sale advertising, the distribution of samples or any other promotional activities marketing infant formula directly to the consumer at retail level, including special displays, discount coupons, premiums, special sales, loss-leaders and tie-in sales, are explicitly prohibited.
The policy is not intended in any way to make women who decide not to breastfeed, or who do not succeed to do so, feel guilty.
Read the full interview with Chris Fearne in The Malta Independent tomorrow. The Parliamentary Secretary provides new information on the three major health projects and explains the changes that have taken place in the emergency unit at Mater Dei Hospital.