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What is the HSE policy on the marketing of breast milk substitutes?

Overview of HSE Policy on Breast Milk Substitutes
The Health Service Executive (HSE) in Ireland has established a comprehensive policy regarding the marketing of breast milk substitutes, aligning with international standards aimed at promoting breastfeeding and ensuring that parents receive unbiased information about infant nutrition. This policy is rooted in the International Code of Marketing of Breast-milk Substitutes, which was adopted by the World Health Assembly in 1981. The Code serves as a framework to regulate the marketing practices surrounding breast milk substitutes, feeding bottles, and teats, with the ultimate goal of safeguarding infant health and nutrition.
Key Principles of the HSE Policy
The HSE’s policy emphasizes several critical principles:
1. Protection of Breastfeeding: The HSE is committed to protecting and promoting breastfeeding as the optimal method of infant feeding. This commitment is reflected in their efforts to provide parents with accurate, evidence-based information that is free from commercial influence. The HSE recognizes that breastfeeding offers numerous health benefits for both infants and mothers, and thus seeks to create an environment that supports breastfeeding practices.
2. Impartial Information: Health service staff play a pivotal role in delivering impartial information to parents. The HSE aims to ensure that all parents, regardless of their feeding choices, have access to reliable information that is not swayed by marketing tactics. This approach is crucial in helping parents make informed decisions about infant feeding.
3. Restrictions on Marketing: The HSE policy strictly prohibits the use of health care facilities for the promotion of breast milk substitutes. This means that hospitals and clinics should not display advertisements or promotional materials for infant formula or related products. Such restrictions are designed to prevent any potential conflicts of interest and to maintain the integrity of health care environments.
4. Educational Materials: Any educational materials provided to parents regarding infant feeding must be objective and consistent. These materials should emphasize the importance of breastfeeding without referencing specific brands of breast milk substitutes. This aligns with the broader goals of the International Code, which seeks to eliminate misleading advertising that could undermine breastfeeding.
Challenges and Compliance
Despite the robust framework established by the HSE and the International Code, challenges remain in ensuring compliance with these regulations. Reports have indicated instances of misleading marketing practices that claim breast milk is inadequate, which can create confusion among parents and potentially discourage breastfeeding. The HSE continues to monitor these practices and advocates for adherence to the Code to protect the health of infants and support breastfeeding mothers.
Conclusion
The HSE’s policy on the marketing of breast milk substitutes reflects a strong commitment to promoting breastfeeding and providing parents with the necessary tools to make informed feeding choices. By adhering to international standards and prioritizing impartial information, the HSE aims to foster a supportive environment for all families, ensuring that infant nutrition is approached with care and integrity.

What is the breastfeeding friendly workplace policy?

CALIFORNIA LACTATION ACCOMODATION LAW (Chapter 3.8, Section 1030, Part 3 of Division 2 of the Labor Code) This law requires all California employers to provide reasonable amount of break time and make a reasonable effort to provide space other than a toilet stall, close to the employee’s work area, to accommodate an …

What is the International Code of breastfeeding Substitutes?

The WHO International Code of Marketing of Breastmilk Substitutes, approved by the member states participating at the World Health Assembly (except the US), was approved in 1981 to protect breastfeeding by ensuring the ethical marketing of breastmilk substitutes by industry.

What does the International Code on Marketing of Breast Milk Substitutes ensure?

The WHO International Code of Marketing Breastmilk Substitutes was adopted in 1981 by the World Health Assembly (WHA) to promote safe and adequate nutrition for infants, by the protection and promotion of breastfeeding and by ensuring the proper use of breast-milk substitutes, when these are necessary.

What is the HS code for milk substitute?

HS Code 2106909980 – Tariff Classification of – Other cream or milk substitutes.

What is the NHS policy on breastfeeding?

It’s up to you to decide how long you want to breastfeed. Returning to work doesn’t mean you have to stop. Before returning, you should give your employer written notification that you’re breastfeeding. Your employer must then conduct a specific risk assessment.

What is the purpose of the International Code of marketing breast milk Substitutes quizlet?

The purpose of the International Code of Marketing Breast-Milk Substitutes is: To address inappropriate marketing practices to mothers and health care providers. The primary function of prolactin in the new mother is: Making milk.

Is OSHA safe for breastfeeding?

It might start menstruation, and this might cause a miscarriage. Avoid use. Breast-feeding : There isn’t enough reliable information to know if osha is safe to use when breast-feeding. Stay on the safe side and avoid use.

What is the HSE policy for breastfeeding?

At the choice of your employer, you are entitled to either: breastfeed in the workplace or express breast milk where suitable facilities are available in your workplace. have your working hours reduced (without loss of pay) to facilitate breastfeeding where suitable facilities are not available.

What are the regulations on codes of marketing breastmilk substitutes?

The Code prohibits advertising and other forms of promotion of infant formula and other breast-milk substitutes as well as feeding bottles and teats. In emergency situations, the Code is particularly important for controlling donations and distribution of these products.

Natasha Lunn

Tash is an IBCLC and Business Coach helping fellow IBCLCs create fun, profitable businesses that are more than just an expensive hobby. Before becoming an IBCLC and starting her private practice - The Boobala, Tash graduated as an Osteopath in 2008 and has been in Private Practice in South West Sydney. She was also a volunteer Breastfeeding Counsellor and Community Educator with the Australian Breastfeeding Association for 6 years. Through her business, Your Lactation Biz, Tash coaches and creates products to help new and seasoned IBCLCs build businesses that suit their personality and lifestyle.

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