The "Study on breastfeeding behaviour and infant nutrition in Austria" shows that there is a need for improvement in Austria in terms of both overall breastfeeding duration and exclusive breastfeeding. Therefore, in coordination with the Federal Ministry of Social Affairs, Health, Care and Consumer Protection (BMSGPK) and with the involvement of the National Nutrition Commission (NEK), we have developed "Recommendations for action for a breastfeeding-friendly Austria" in a participatory process. This was based on the evidence-based research initiative "Becoming Breastfeeding Friendly (BBF)" from the Yale School of Public Health.
Breastfeeding offers short and long-term health, economic and environmental benefits for children, breastfeeding mothers and society. Breastfeeding and breastfeeding promotion are therefore effective and cost-efficient health promotion and prevention measures and make an important contribution to children's health. Therefore, structural and social framework conditions must be created to promote breastfeeding in all areas. Fourteen strategic recommendations for action were developed, which lay the foundation for making Austria more breastfeeding-friendly in the long term and thus make a significant contribution to children growing up healthy. The planning and implementation of measures will take place successively.
The final scientific report and the NEK recommendation "Recommendations for action for a breastfeeding-friendly Austria" can be found here: