Queen Elizabeth Hospital firmly believes that breastfeeding offers enormous and irreplaceable health benefits to both mothers and children. We actively initiate and implement mother and baby friendly services for their health benefits.

Policy Summary:

1. QEH has a written breastfeeding policy that is routinely communicated to all health care staff and parents.
2. All health care staff involved with implementing the Policy will be trained with the requisite knowledge, skills and competence.
3. All pregnant women and their families will be discussed on the benefits and management of breastfeeding.
4. The Hospital will help mothers start immediate skin-to-skin contact with their babies and initiate breastfeeding as soon as possible after birth.
5. Mothers will be shown how to breastfeed, maintain lactation and manage common difficulties.
6. Newborn infants will be fed breastmilk only. Other food or drink will be given only if medically indicated.
7. QEH practices 24 hours a day rooming-in of mothers and their infants.
8. QEH encourages responsive breastfeeding.
9. Mothers will be counselled on the use and risks of feeding bottles, teats and pacifiers.
10. QEH provides discharge support, and refers mothers and their infants for ongoing support and care in the community.
11. QEH will fully support mothers who made the informed decision not to breastfeed.
12. QEH practices the “International Code of Marketing of Breastmilk Substitutes” and subsequent relevant resolutions of the World Health Assembly.
13. QEH supports mother-friendly childbirth practices and procedures.
14. QEH supports mothers to breastfeed at a place of their choice.
15. QEH supports employees to continue breastfeeding after returning to work.