The first five years of the Best Start ‘Promoting Breastfeeding’ project have been hailed a success, with an action plan now in development for roll out over the next three years.

A breastfeeding room, charter, art exhibition, brochure and magnet have been identified as successful outcomes of the first five years of the project.

A centralised ‘parenting centre’, education program for young mothers and the introduction of breastfeeding facilities at public events are just some of the recommendations for the next stage of the program.

Established in 2004, the Best Start project aims to promote the benefits of breastfeeding to the community, encourage local businesses to support the program and obtain workplace accreditation.

City of Ballarat People and Communities Portfolio Councillor John Philips said Council recently hosted a Future Directions Planning Day to evaluate the success of the program to date.

“The planning day was a valuable opportunity for Council to consult with local health organisations and government bodies to assess the future direction of the project.

“Having all agreed to the benefits of the project, we are now in a position to identify key actions for the project moving forward.”

The new action plan, to be rolled out over the next three years, will be finalised by April.

Organisations involved with the planning day included: Ballarat Community Health, Ballarat Health Services, Maternity Coalition, St John of God Hospital, Department of Education and Early Childhood Development, Maternal and Child Health, Australian Breastfeeding Association, Centacare, Best Start and the Catholic Education Office.

Background information:

Since 2006, the number of women breastfeeding has increased. In 2006/2007 the number of children fully breastfed on discharge were 67.7%, two weeks, 64.9%, three months 45.5% and six months 34.3%. In 2009/2010, children fully breastfed on discharge were 77%, two weeks 67%, three months 49.6% and six months 36.3%.