Agenda item

Healthy Child Programme Update

Breastfeeding Support Service

Minutes:

The Chairman invited the following to the meeting:

 

  • Clare Slater-Robbins, Senior Children and Young People’s Commissioner LB Barnet
  • Annabel Burkimsher, Interim Clinical Business Unit Lead, Health Visiting, LB Barnet

 

Ms Slater-Robbins reported that the team had last provided an update to the HOSC on the Breastfeeding Peer Support Service in October 2018. Since that time, the Service has been co-designed and a Breastfeeding Forum set up for Barnet. Data capture on breastfeeding in Barnet has improved and currently 63% of women in Barnet are breastfeeding, which is above the England average of 48.15%.

 

Ms Slater-Robbins reported that Barnet Council is working closely with North Central London Clinical Commissioning Group (NCL CCG) to develop an Infant Feeding Strategy. During the Covid-19 pandemic, most of the Support Service has continued in an online format. The Breastfeeding Forum has devised an Action Plan (Appendix B). This includes promoting a ‘Breastfeeding Welcome Scheme’ with local businesses and other organisations. 

 

A Member asked whether breastfeeding data can be collected on a postcode basis.

 

Ms Slater-Robbins responded that the data is collected at postcode level but, as commissioner, she doesn’t ask for this – she may be able to request this as a one-off report from Central London Community Healthcare (CLCH). She agreed that this could be used to focus the campaign in certain areas but the service already has anecdotal evidence which is used to target interventions in specific areas. 

 

A Member asked what the UNICEF Standard’s levels represent.

 

Ms Burkimsher responded that currently Barnet has achieved UNICEF Level 2 and is working towards Level 3 as part of its Action Plan. UNICEF Gold means that breastfeeding rates are sustainable with processes in place within Acute Trusts and in the community. UNICEF also investigates parent and staff knowledge. Level 3 focuses on partnership working.

 

A Member enquired about the review of links to signpost people to breastfeeding support on the Royal Free London NHS Foundation Trust website, as mentioned in the Action Plan. Ms Slater-Robbins noted that this has been delayed due to the Trust’s focus on the Coronavirus pandemic, but she would raise this issue. She noted that Barnet’s and CLCH’s web pages have been updated, with support available during the pandemic.

Action: Ms Slater-Robbins

 

A Member asked what support is available for mothers having difficulties with breastfeeding. Ms Slater-Robbins responded that the term ‘infant feeding’ has been chosen deliberately as the aim is to support women to do the best feeding they can and is inclusive of formula feeding. She noted that since the start of the pandemic, families with new-borns have been contacted by phone and text with details of the service and that virtual antenatal classes on infant feeding have been held. 

 

A Member enquired about lockdown and the impact on the ‘Breastfeeding Welcome Scheme’ and whether this is being pursued since businesses have reopened? Ms Slater-Robbins responded that this would be the next step and that she also wants to encourage GP Surgeries, Libraries and Children’s Centres to join the Scheme. 

 

A Member suggested contacting women’s organisations.  Ms Slater-Robbins responded that if Members wished to suggest organisations that she could approach, she would pursue this.

 

A Member enquired about volunteers joining the service. Ms Slater-Robbins noted that paid Breastfeeding Peer Supporters have been recruited on permanent contracts, as well as a new Infant Feeding Lead who has been running a volunteer group. More people are coming forward to volunteer their time and are in the process of undergoing training.

 

RESOLVED that the Committee noted the report and progress made in Breastfeeding Services.  

 

Supporting documents: