n order to observe the International Marketing Code of Breastmilk Substitute, the HA stopped using sponsored supplies of milk formula in April this year. Meanwhile, the HA actively promotes "Baby-friendly Practices" to help mothers breastfeed their babies. Besides promoting breastfeeding among the public, the HA has been providing support to new mothers among the staff who are interested in giving their babies the most wholesome food. In fact, this has been one of the objectives of the Hospital Authority Breastfeeding Promotion Subcommittee (HABFPSC), formerly the Hospital Authority Breastfeeding Promotion Committee, since it was established in 1998.

The HABFPSC also plays an active role in the World Breastfeeding Week. Colleagues are invited to attend the yearly events organised by the HABFPSC so as to keep themselves up-to-date on the latest developments in breastfeeding. Earlier this year, the HA conducted a survey on the breastfeeding facilities currently available in the HA premises. At present, all the seven hospital clusters and the HA Head Office have a room dedicated to breastfeeding; some are even equipped with electric breast pumps. It is hoped that in the future, all of the HA hospitals will be able to offer appropriate support for breastfeeding mothers, in line with the Baby-Friendly Hospital Initiative (BFHI) that was launched by UNICEF and the World Health Organization to become Baby-Friendly Hospitals.

If you would like to find out more about the HA's breastfeeding promotions or BFHI, please visit: http://qsd.home > Hot Picks > Breastfeeding.

Colleagues who would like professional advice about breastfeeding can also call the following numbers: