Breastfeeding Support in Hong Kong (Part 1)

Many families in Hong Kong will consider breastfeeding their babies for many reasons. And even though there is growing awareness and support for breastfeeding, breastfeeding rates in Hong Kong remain relatively low.

UNICEF (UK) have been clear that the chances of breastfeeding success is not down to individual women and their families – but the systems and communities they’re living in –and this is true in Hong Kong too.

“It is time to stop placing the blame for the UK's low breastfeeding rates on individual women and instead acknowledge that this is a public health imperative for which government, policy- makers, communities and families all share responsibility.” – UNICEF UK (2016)

Families need to know the current state of breastfeeding support available in Hong Kong to be able to recognise when they are getting good care, and what they can do to have the best chance of breastfeeding success.

Why is breastfeeding recommended?

• Breastfeeding is recommended as the optimal method of child nutrition worldwide. The World Health Organisation recommends starting breastfeeding within one hour of birth, continuing exclusive breastfeeding for the first six months of baby’s life (no other liquids or foodstuffs), and extending breastfeeding to two years and beyond alongside a healthy and nutritious diet.

• This is because breastfeeding is known to provide significant health benefits to babies such as providing antibodies to fight infections (particularly respiratory infections, gastrointestinal infections, and ear infections), reducing their risk of sudden infant death syndrome, protecting babies from developing asthma, food allergies, atopic dermatitis and eczema, reducing their risk of obesity, childhood cancers, and promoting better brain and gut health and development

• Breastfeeding also provides significant health benefits to mothers – reducing their risk of breast and ovarian cancers, type 2 diabetes, and heart disease.

• Because these health benefits are so important to maternal and child wellbeing, healthcare systems have been developed to protect, promote, and support breastfeeding worldwide.

What policy protects and promotes breastfeeding?

In 1991, the World Health Organisation and UNICEF launched the ‘Baby-Friendly Hospital Initiative’ (BHFI).

This initiative is made up two key pieces of guidance - the ‘Ten Steps to Successful

Breastfeeding’ and the International Code of Marketing of Breastmilk Substitutes.

Ten Steps to Successful Breastfeeding:

1. Have a written infant feeding policy that is communicated to all healthcare staff

2. Ensure all healthcare staff have the knowledge and skills to implement the policy

3. Educate all pregnant women on the benefits and management of breastfeeding

4. Protect uninterrupted skin-to-skin contact after birth and help mothers start

breastfeeding soon after birth

5. Teach mothers how to breastfeed and maintain breastfeeding, even if they are

separated from their babies

6. Give newborns only breastmilk, unless medically indicated

7. Practice rooming-in, keeping mum and baby together 24hours a day

8. Encourage responsive feeding

9. Counsel families on the use and risks of feeding bottles, teats, and pacifiers

10. Ensure families know where to go for continued breastfeeding support in their local communities

If you want to know which healthcare facilities are baby-friendly in Hong Kong, come back for part 2!

Creating a Safe Start for Your Baby

Bringing your newborn home is one of life’s most rewarding moments. It’s also a time to make sure your home environment is as safe as possible. Babies grow and explore quickly, so preparing early can help prevent accidents and give you peace of mind.

Below are key home safety tips every new parent should follow.

Baby-Proofing Basics

Before your baby becomes mobile, take steps to baby-proof your living spaces:

• Cover all unused electrical outlets.

• Secure cabinets and drawers with safety latches.

• Keep small objects, coins, and batteries out of reach.

• Lock away cleaning products, medicines, and sharp tools.
  

A good rule of thumb: if it can fit through a toilet paper tube, it’s a choking hazard.

Safe Sleep Spaces

Your baby’s sleep area should be calm, simple, and safe:

• Use a firm, flat mattress with a fitted sheet.

• Avoid pillows, stuffed animals, bumper pads, and loose blankets.

• Always place your baby on their back to sleep.
  

Following safe sleep guidelines recommended by The Lullaby Trust UK helps reduce the risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS).

Fall Prevention

As your child begins to crawl and walk, falls become one of the most common household injuries. Reduce the risk with these steps:

• Install safety gates at the top and bottom of stairs.

• Use non-slip mats in bathrooms and kitchens.

• Secure furniture that could tip over.

• Never leave your baby unattended on changing tables, beds, or sofas.
  

Fire & Electrical Safety

Electrical and fire hazards can be easily overlooked in busy households. Make safety a routine:

• Keep electrical cords and appliances out of reach.

• Test smoke and carbon monoxide detectors monthly.

• Replace detector batteries regularly.

• Keep a fire extinguisher in an accessible area, such as the kitchen.
  

First Aid Essentials

Every household with young children should have a baby-friendly first aid kit. Include:

• Adhesive bandages and antiseptic wipes

• Digital thermometer

• Infant-safe fever and pain medication

• Tweezers and cotton swabs
  

Parents and caregivers should also learn Infant CPR and Basic First Aid - skills that could save a life in an emergency.

Want to make sure your home is fully prepared? 📋 Reach out to request your free Home Safety Checklist for New Parents.

First Aid Kit Essentials Every Home Should Have

Accidents happen when we least expect them - whether it’s a scraped knee from outdoor play, a minor burn in the kitchen or a cut while doing chores. Having a well-stocked first aid kit at home ensures you can respond quickly and confidently to life’s little emergencies.

What Should it Contain?

At the absolute minimum, your kit should include:

• Individually wrapped sterile plasters in assorted sizes – for cuts and grazes.

• Sterile eye pads – to protect the eye in case of injury.

• Individually wrapped triangular bandages (preferably sterile) – useful for slings or to support injuries.

• Safety pins – for securing bandages.

• Large and medium-sized sterile, individually wrapped, unmedicated wound dressings – to cover and protect bigger wounds.

• Disposable gloves – to protect both the caregiver and the injured person from infection.

While this is the bare minimum, you may also want to add extras such as antiseptic wipes, tweezers, adhesive tape, scissors and a digital thermometer for added preparedness.

Where Should You Store it?

Having the right supplies is only half the battle - knowing where to keep your first aid kit is equally important.Here are some key points to consider:

1. Accessibility – Ensure essential items are within reach for everyone in your household. Even if children aren’t administering first aid, they should know how to fetch the kit in an emergency.

2. Household Needs – Think about the layout of your home and any mobility challenges faced by family members. In larger homes, it may be helpful to keep kits on more than one floor.

3. Accident Likelihood – Place a kit where accidents are most likely to happen, such as the kitchen or near outdoor play areas.

4. Visibility – Make sure your first aid kit is easy to find. If it’s in a cupboard, keep it at the front and let everyone in the household know its location.

5. Safety – Some items, like medications, should be stored separately and securely, out of children’s reach.

   
   

A well-prepared first aid kit gives families peace of mind. By stocking the right essentials and storing them wisely, you’ll be ready to handle small injuries quickly and effectively. After all, when it comes to family safety, it’s always better to be prepared than caught off guard.