Welcome to the World Breastfeeding Trends Initiative New Zealand (WBTi NZ)
The World Breastfeeding Trends initiative (WBTi) Assessment tool was launched by the International Baby Food Action Network (IBFAN) in 2004 as a way of measuring how effective countries are in terms of implementing the Global Strategy for Infant and Young Child Feeding. Using the WBTi Tool and the indicators highlights areas where effective progress is being made while also showing areas that require attention. Measuring strengths and weaknesses on the ten parameters/indicators of policy and programmes, protects, promotes, and supports optimal infant and young child feeding. The Global Secretariat at Breastfeeding Promotion Network of India (BPNI) manages the WBTi and its repository. *
- Participatory – involves stakeholders, governments, and NGOs.
- Action-oriented – the goal of the WBTi process is to stimulate action rather than just collecting information. The information gathered can be used as a tool for change.
- Research based – with the aim to stimulate research and ask questions which lead to comprehensive analysis to advocate for change.
“The WBTi envisages that all countries create an enabling environment for women to be successful in breastfeeding their babies optimally at home, health facilities or at work places. The WBTi aspires to be a trusted leader to motivate policy makers and programme managers in countries, to use the global data repository of information on breastfeeding and IYCF policies and programmes. WBTi envisions to serve as a knowledge platform for programme managers, researchers, policy makers and breastfeeding advocates across the globe. WBTi‘s mission is to reach all countries to facilitate assessment and tracking of IYCF policies and programmes through mobilising local partnerships without conflicts of interest and building a data repository for advocacy.” (https://www.ibfan.org/wbti/ )
Indicators
Policy & Programme
- National Policy, Governance and Funding
- Baby Friendly Hospital Initiative / Ten Steps to Successful Breastfeeding
- Implementation of the International Code of Marketing of Breastmilk Substitutes
- Maternity Protection
- Health and Nutrition Care Systems (in support of breastfeeding & IYCF)
- Counselling services for the pregnant and breastfeeding mothers
- Accurate and Unbiased Information and Support
- Infant Feeding and HIV
- Infant and Young Child Feeding during Emergencies
- Monitoring and Evaluation
Practices
- Timely Initiation of Breastfeeding within one hour of birth
- Exclusive Breastfeeding for the first six months
- Median duration of Breastfeeding
- Bottle-Feeding
- Complementary Feeding – Introduction of solid, semi-solid or soft foods