Breastfeeding Promotion and Provision of More Babycare Facilities in Government Buildings and Public Areas

Bureau / Department	Food and Health Bureau (FHB)
Objective	To create a supportive environment for mothers to breastfeed.
Content	The Government spares no efforts in promoting breastfeeding and strives to create a supportive environment in the community. In early 2008, FHB embarked on a new initiative by inviting the Architectural Services Department, Department of Health, Government Property Agency, Buildings Department and Housing Department to formulate an Advisory Guidelines on Babycare Facilities. The guidelines were circulated among bureaux and departments in August 2008 to encourage incorporation of desirable babycare facilities in government and public areas. The Buildings Department will also issue the guidelines for reference of private sector. In drafting the guidelines, discussion groups were held among the breastfeeding mothers to collect their views on the requirements of a desirable babycare room. The draft guidelines have been modified to cater for their needs. Some examples are appended below: A logo using a figure of neutral sex instead of a woman figure is provided to allow entry of both males and females into the babycare room. A signage "Breastfeeding Area for Women Only" "餵哺範圍，女士專用" is posted up to indicate only female are allowed to enter the breastfeeding area. The door to the babycare room / breastfeeding area is preferable not be lockable to avoid inconvenience caused to the breastfeeding mother to unlock the door for the access of another user. It is desirable to have the nappy changing mat placed perpendicular to the wall to avoid twisting the waist of mothers, as well as have automatic tap and soap dispenser with sensor, waste container with hinged cover for disposing nappies etc.
Groups / Persons Affected	The breastfeeding mothers and the general public.
Impact	The concerns and experience of breastfeeding mothers have been taken into account in formulating the advisory guidelines on babycare facilities in order to provide a supportive environment conducive to breastfeeding.
Success Factor / Lessons Learned	We have applied the gender mainstreaming concept in formulating the guidelines on babycare facilities. We have considered the needs and perspective of breastfeeding mothers, the main users of the babycare facilities, so as to provide a supportive environment conducive to breastfeeding. Colleagues participating in drafting the guidelines become more gender sensitive in planning programmes and discharging duties in future.