Breastfeeding Policy

Version 2.0 approved 27 May 2021

The Breastfeeding Policy (PDF 190KB) provides relevant breastfeeding information to assist all SA Health employees (permanent, temporary, casual and volunteers) within the Department for Health and Wellbeing, each Local Health Network and SA Ambulance Service with local implementation of the Breastfeeding Policy.
As the statewide provider of public health policy and practice, SA Health has a responsibility to promote breastfeeding at a population level. It is the responsibility of SA Health to promote, support and enable women to breastfeed through best-practice support suited to their needs throughout their contact with the health system and to ensure access to specialised advice when, and if required.
Breastfeeding is an important population health measure. There is compelling evidence that breastfeeding is protective against a wide range of short and longer term health problems in infants and mothers. As reported in the World Health Organization (WHO) ‘Long–term Effects of Breastfeeding’ Review (2013)2 and the (NHMRC) ‘Infant Feeding Guidelines’ (2012)1, low rates of breastfeeding, particularly with regard to duration and exclusivity, put large numbers of infants and mothers at increased risk of being overweight/obese and experiencing ill health. These health risks, together with the environmental impacts of formula feeding, can result in considerable costs to individuals, the health system, government and society