Breastfeeding critical for child survival

http://www.who.int/mediacentre/news/releases/2004/pr19/en/

Joint press release WHO/UNICEF

Global Strategy: Breastfeeding critical for child survival
UNICEF and WHO call for increased commitment to appropriate feeding practices for all infants and young children

23 MARCH 2004 | NEW YORK -- Calling on governments to promote and protect breastfeeding, UNICEF and WHO today jointly launched the Global Strategy for Infant and Young Child Feeding. The document, developed over two years of global consultation, pinpoints the main problems affecting infant and young child feeding and identifies approaches to their solution.

"There is no better way than breastfeeding to make sure that a child gets the best start in life," said UNICEF Executive Director Carol Bellamy. "The strategy is an invaluable roadmap for governments to create supportive environments where women can make informed choices about feeding their children."

Breastfeeding alone provides the ideal nourishment for infants for the first six months of life as it provides all the nutrients, antibodies, hormones, immune factors and antioxidants an infant needs to thrive. It protects babies from diarrhoea and acute respiratory infections and stimulates their immune systems.

"Virtually all mothers can breastfeed provided they have accurate information, and support within their families and communities and from the health care system," said LEE Jong-wook, Director-General of WHO. "Governments should move swiftly and effectively to implement this important strategy."

Lack of breastfeeding - and especially lack of exclusive breastfeeding during the first half-year of life - are important risk factors for infant and childhood morbidity and mortality. These risk factors are compounded by inappropriate complementary feeding as infants grow.

"Exclusive breastfeeding in the first half-year of life and continued breastfeeding coupled with appropriate foods reduce the number of children under five who die from malnutrition," said Dr Lee. Malnutrition is associated with more than 50% of deaths among children under five.

The strategy calls for a dramatic increase in the number of infants who are exclusively breastfed. Currently, no more than 35% of infants worldwide are exclusively breastfed during even the first four months of life. Complementary feeding frequently begins too early or too late, and foods are often nutritionally inadequate and unsafe. Malnourished children who survive are more frequently sick and suffer the life-long consequences of impaired development.

"The long-term impact of poor feeding practices in infancy and early childhood include poor school performance, reduced productivity and impaired intellectual and social development," Bellamy said.

In addition to stressing the link between the health and nutritional status of mothers and children, the strategy addresses the challenges of feeding in exceptionally difficult circumstances, such as natural or man-made emergencies.

The strategy also highlights the issue of optimal feeding of the roughly 2.6 million children who are born to HIV-infected women each year. The absolute risk of HIV transmission through breastfeeding - globally between 5% and 20% - needs to be balanced against the increased risk of morbidity and mortality when infants are not breastfed. All HIV-infected mothers should receive information about the risks and benefits of various options and guidance in choosing the most suitable option.

The Global Strategy for Infant and Young Child Feeding, available in six languages, was presented by UN Under Secretary-General for Management Catherine Bertini on 23 March to the Standing Committee on Nutrition session at the UN. It was distributed 24 March during a session on Breastfeeding and Complementary Feeding and their contribution to achieving the UN Millennium Development Goals.

For more information contact:

Randa Saadeh
Telephone: +41 (22) 791 3315
Email: saadehr@who.int

David Porter
Media Officer,
Telephone: +41 (22) 791 3774
Email: porterd@who.int

Erin Trowbridge
Telephone: +1 212 326 7172
Email: etrowbridge@unicef.org

Kate Donovan
Telephone: +1 212 326 7452
Email: kdonovan@unicef.org

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Sumber : http://www.news-medical.net/print_article.asp?id=1381

Survey serious misunderstandings about breastfeeding

Posted By: News-Medical in Women's Health News

Published: Monday, 10-May-2004

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A survey published today by The UK Department of Health for National Breastfeeding Awareness Week (9 - 15 May) shows that serious misunderstandings may be stopping women, particularly young women, from breastfeeding. Although the benefits of breastfeeding are well known, the UK has one of the lowest breastfeeding rates in Europe. Almost a third of women (29%) in England and Wales never try to breastfeed compared to 2% in Sweden. Younger women in particular are less likely to breastfeed with over 40% of mothers under 24 never trying. The new survey of 1000 women shows: Myth: Over a third (34%) of women believe that modern infant formula milks are very similar or the same as breast milk Fact: Infant formula milk does not contain the antibodies, living cells, enzymes or hormones present in breastmilk. Breastmilk is designed for each individual baby and changes over time whereas infant formula milk is designed for every baby. Myth: A fifth (20%) of young women aged 16-24 years believe that breastfeeding will ruin the shape of their breasts/body Fact: Breastfeeding uses up 500 extra calories a day. It helps the womb return back to normal and does not affect the shape of breasts in the long term Myth: Over two thirds (67%) of women believe that the general public find breastfeeding in public unacceptable Fact: Most people (84%)think it's fine for mothers to breastfeed their babies discreetly in public/in front of others (5) Myth:  Nearly all (95%) women believe that breastfeeding comes naturally to some and not to others Fact:  Breastfeeding is a skill and takes practice. It is important that women feel able to ask for help. Myth: Nearly all women (87%) believe that some women don't produce enough milk to be able to breastfeed. Fact:   Virtually all mothers can breastfeed provided they have accurate information and support. (4) Minister for Public Health, Melanie Johnson, says: "Breastfeeding is a major public health issue. A decision to breastfeed, especially if sustained for the first six months of a baby’s life, can make a major contribution to infant health and development as well as benefiting mums. "Our message is a simple one – if you are an expectant or new mum don’t let these myths discourage you from giving breastfeeding a go!" Give it a Go is the theme of National Breastfeeding Awareness Week this year which focusses on encouraging those with the lowest breastfeeding rates such as the young and those in disadvantaged areas to start breastfeeding. Among events planned are a series of evening presentations at Mothercare stores where health professionals will explain the benefits of breastfeeding and answer questions. Breastfeeding advocates include film and TV personalities Sadie Frost, Fiona Phillips, Davina McCall and Donna Air who says: “Because Freya is my first child I was extra cautious to give her the best start in life. Breastfeeding was a great way to help her avoid allergies and infections. I am so pleased I made the decision to breastfeed. It has proved tough at times, but is also very rewarding for both myself and Freya.” Davina McCall agrees: “Breastfeeding isn't always easy.  Both times I've nearly given up at six weeks but with some encouragement and reassurance I've persevered and I'm glad I did.  It's a wonderful experience and I always feel sad about stopping.”