Promotion Committee Terms of Reference

VISION We envision a region where breastfeeding is the cultural norm.

PURPOSE The purpose of the Breastfeeding Promotion Committee (BPC) is to protect, promote and support breastfeeding in the Champlain and South East LHINs.

VALUES  We follow and promote the Baby Friendly Initiative 10 Steps1 and the International Code of Marketing Breastmilk Substitutes2: o We advocate for maternal-newborn dyad care: togetherness, no unnecessary separation in healthcare organizations and in the community. o We coordinate and collaborate across the circle of care to promote effective breastfeeding services. The circle of care includes all health care and community workers supporting clients to breastfeed in hospitals, community agencies and private practices. o We promote breastfeeding education across the lifespan to families, communities and health care professionals. o We promote breastfeeding across the reproductive continuum, from pre-conception to childhood.  Clients – parents, babies and families – are at the centre of our work.  Our actions are based on the best available evidence.  We support and promote informed decision-making about feeding and respect the decisions that clients make.

ACCOUNTABILITY The Breastfeeding Promotion Committee reports to CMNRP’s Advisory Committee.

ROLES and RESPONSIBILITIES  Determine and prioritize goals in conjunction with CMNRP’s Strategic Plan priorities and timelines.  Monitor and review regional breastfeeding data to identify strengths and gaps in performance.  Identify and recommend strategies to address gaps and improve services.  Create short-term workgroups to address specific goals. Develop project charters that specify the scope, objectives, action plans, deliverables and timelines for each workgroup.  Provide BPC reports to CMNRP’s Advisory Committee.

1 http://breastfeedingcanada.ca/documents/2012-05-14_BCC_BFI_Ten_Steps_Integrated_Indicators.pdf

2 http://www.who.int/nutrition/publications/code_english.pdf CMNRP Breastfeeding Promotion Committee – Terms of Reference – Revised March 2018 1

MEMBERSHIP The BPC membership includes family advisors and representatives from a variety of organizations offering breastfeeding services in the region. These include, but are not limited to: lactation consultants in organizations and in private practice, nurses, , and physicians, from units, community health centres, hospitals and . Members serve a -two-year term, with the option to renew. Members are responsible to notify the chair if they wish to resign.

Committee members are expected to actively participate in the work of the committee by bringing their experience to the table in a way that is respectful, open-minded and with a spirit of supporting positive change for maternal-newborn care within the region. Active participation is demonstrated by regular meeting attendance, advising on items presented for discussion, reviewing and providing feedback on draft materials and accomplishing action items identified at meetings.

Co-Chairs The committee is co-chaired by two committee members, determined by a nomination and voting process. One chairs the meetings and the other co-chair is responsible for drafting and distributing the agenda and any supporting documents, and maintaining the membership distribution list. The co-chairs serve a two-year term, with the option to renew once. The BPC is supported by a CMNRP Perinatal Consultant, who may serve as co- chair, and provides BPC reports to CMNRP’s Advisory Committee.

Minute-Taker The minute-taker is a committee member who transcribes minutes and circulates to members for corrections and final distribution. This role is undertaken on a rotational basis.

MEETINGS Two-hour meetings are scheduled every two months or more frequently at the call of the chair (excluding the months of July and August). Meeting dates and times are determined by availability of the majority of members. Although it is preferable for members to attend meetings in person, electronic technology such as telephone and/or videoconferencing are available. Quorum of 50% of the membership is required.

DECISION-MAKING and QUORUM The PBC will act in the best interest of the maternal and newborn health care system and all members share accountability for decisions and outcomes. Decisions will be based on the needs and experiences of parents, newborns and families, and on evidence whenever possible. Decisions are made by consensus of the committee. If consensus cannot be reached, decisions will be made through voting with a simple majority of those present.

Terms of reference will be reviewed every two years or more frequently, as required.

CMNRP Breastfeeding Promotion Committee – Terms of Reference – Revised March 2018 2