Sharon Breward, HV from my neck of the woods (North Wales) has just won a prestigious award from the Association for Breastfeeding Mothers.
Amongst her many achievements,she has increased the b/feeding initiation rate by 25% in the last 5 years (from 51% to 76%)
85% of these women are b/feeding at 8 weeks while the national average is 50%
She says...
'I believe our profession is long overdue a hard look at itself. Are we merely paying lip service to our public health role while as health visitors (and indeed our HV professional conference and journal) acting as a conduit for the marketing activities of milk companies?
With increased emphasis on b/feeding as an effective public health intervention,there has been much wringing of hands in the health visiting profession regarding the 'culture' of bottle feeding. The impression is that there isn't much we can do about it. But health professionals including health visitors are a main pillar supporting the acceptance of artificial feeding as the norm in our society.'
I have been fortunate enough to meet this wonderful woman and believe me,she is truly inspiring.
Will try and do a link to the site.