The Department continues to support and promote breastfeeding and will be supporting the National Breastfeeding Awareness Week planned from 11 to 17 May 2008. The week will be supported with a range of promotional materials, funding a conference and working with the local national health service, voluntary organisations and practitioners to facilitate locally-run events.
The Department is also exploring the introduction of a new metric on breastfeeding duration. Also ongoing activity includes television and radio advertising, an updated website, revised publications for parents and health professionals, and providing advice/support for pregnant women and new mothers through the Healthy Start programme.
The Department is continuing to work with the Food Standards Agency on the implementation of the European Union directive on infant formula and follow-on formula regulations, including World Health Organisation best practice.