Exploring pregnant women's current level of nutrition knowledge, attitudes, and readiness for dietary change during pregnancy

Abstract

International impact studies have identified a positive association between the initiative and breastfeeding trends however in Australia BFHI struggles to gain momentum with 19% of facilities currently accredited. Australian studies have identified several impediments: a misunderstanding of the initiative’s aims, a discord with practice and organisational attitudinal issues. Critics have recommended redirecting any proposed funding as the initiative has not proven its applicability to the Australian context. This poster discusses the social context in which feeding practices occur and explores the state of evidence on which the Baby Friendly Health Initiative is founded. The weight of evidence supportingbreastfeeding is reconsidered tocritique thecurrent stateof knowledge onwhich breastfeeding promotion activities are based. The challenge of successfully developing and reporting breastfeeding indicators is also examined. The impact of breastfeeding is then explored in order to examine the relationship between breastfeeding and BFHI practices.