BF Support Groups
A woman's
right to breastfeed her child is a human right.
Although apparent, it is when a woman wishes to
exercise this right that she may encounter
discriminating structures, attitudes and
practices.
There are
many ways that families and communities may
support breastfeeding mothers. For example,
welcome breastfeeding at public events, provide
workplace childcare so babies can be breastfed
during the work day, and develop a "buddy
system" that links new mothers with those who
have breastfeeding experience.
Mass media
also plays a crucial role in creating a social
climate that supports breastfeeding. Radio
shows, television dramas, plays, advertising in
public transport, commercial food packages –
these and many other media can disseminate
useful information about
breastfeeding.
Breastfeeding Support
Groups
In
Hong Kong
, some
breastfeeding support groups (including BFHIHKA)
proactively help mothers resolve problems and
maintain breastfeeding after leaving the
hospital.
| Family Health Service,
Department of Health, The Government of the
HKSAR |
The
Family Health Service (FHS) provides a
comprehensive range of health promotion and
disease prevention services for children from
birth to 5 years and women below 64 years of
age. These services are provided by a dedicated
team of medical & nursing professionals and
supporting staff, through a network of 31
Maternal and Child Health Centres (MCHCs) and 3
Woman Health Centres (WHCs).
The FHS has implemented
a number of initiatives to promote
breastfeeding. All pregnant women attending the
MCHCs were provided with information on the
benefits of breastfeeding to enable them to make
an informed choice on infant feeding. Ante-natal
and post-natal activities, including talks,
video shows, workshops and practical
demonstrations are conducted. Individual
counselling and hands-on guidance were also
provided to mothers to encourage sustained
breastfeeding.
Breastfeeding rooms are
also provided in all MCHCs for the convenience
of mothers and for privacy and comfort. A
summary of the breastfeeding policy, the
International Code of Marketing of Breast milk
Substitutes, and the Ten Steps to Successful
Breastfeeding are displayed in the waiting area
of each Maternal and Child Health Centre. Full
version of the policy is also available in each
Centre for public inspection on
request.
Breastfeeding
Counseling Hotline: 2961 8868 (Mon–Fri: 9am-1pm,
2pm-5:30pm,
Every 2nd & 4th Sat of the month:
9am-12nn)
|
| La
Leche League Hong
Kong |
La Leche
League Hong
Kong (LLLHK) is a mother to mother support group
which provides information, support and
encouragement to mothers who wish to breastfeed.
LLLHK holds regular meetings in English and
Chinese at locations around Hong Kong. These
meetings are provided free of charge and it is
not necessary to register. LLLHK especially
encourages pregnant mothers to attend. The
meetings give mothers a chance to obtain correct
information about breastfeeding issues and also
to meet other breastfeeding mothers. Babies and
toddlers are welcome at their meetings.
LLLHK also offers telephone counselling
and answers online
Sarah
2548 7636 (English
speaking)
Maggie
9048 1701 (Chinese
speaking)
|
| Hong
Kong Breastfeeding Mothers'
Association |
Hong Kong
Breastfeeding Mothers' Association was
established in 1996 by a group of breastfeeding
mothers, with the goal to promote breastfeeding
to the general public of Hong Kong. Seminars,
workshops and discussion forums are regularly
held at different venues, such as community
centres and district offices.
Breastfeeding
Counselling Hotline: 2540 3282 (voice mail,
reply within 24
hours) |
|
