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Statement on the immediate need for breastfeeding promotion
157
hf. J. Gynecof. Obste~. 1990,31 (Suppl. 1): 157 International Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics
Statement on the immediate need for breastfeeding promotion from the Interagency Workshop on Health December 7-9, 1988, Washington, DC Breastfeeding is continuing to receive worldwide attention from an increasing number of groups and associations, health professionals, consumers, media, and politicians. Feasible, cost-effective interventions including mass media promotion of breastfeeding, revisions of hospital maternity center practices, and creation of community-based support groups - have been in numerous successfully implemented countries. The emphasis has shifted away from the negative forces hindering mothers from breastfeeding towards the positive forces that can support breastfeeding and make the choice to breastfeed an easier one. Important for the initiation and maintenance of breastfeeding are better, more humane health care practices that respect and support the fragile mother-baby interaction. Also important are health workers who know how to manage breastfeeding . problems, because they have a profound
Care Practices
Related
to Breastfeeding,
understanding of its scientific basis. Exclusive breastfeeding, at least for the first 46 months, will help prevent diarrhea1 diseases, promote growth and development, and provide an element of contraception. Hence it will reduce the need for oral rehydration therapy (ORT), food assistance, and family planning services. Prolonged breastfeeding which is supported by family planning also makes a significant contribution to nutrition through at least the second year of a child’s life. The Interagency Workshop agreed that what is needed now is a political commitment from governments as well as donor agencies to support the ongoing effort to promote and protect breastfeeding in a practical manner that enables women to choose to breastfeed. Likewise, professional organizations of health workers at all levels are called upon to formulate a clear. breastfeeding promotion and support policy.
Health care
practices
related to breastfeeding
hf. J. Gynecof. Obste~. 1990,31 (Suppl. 1): 157 International Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics
Statement on the immediate need for breastfeeding promotion from the Interagency Workshop on Health December 7-9, 1988, Washington, DC Breastfeeding is continuing to receive worldwide attention from an increasing number of groups and associations, health professionals, consumers, media, and politicians. Feasible, cost-effective interventions including mass media promotion of breastfeeding, revisions of hospital maternity center practices, and creation of community-based support groups - have been in numerous successfully implemented countries. The emphasis has shifted away from the negative forces hindering mothers from breastfeeding towards the positive forces that can support breastfeeding and make the choice to breastfeed an easier one. Important for the initiation and maintenance of breastfeeding are better, more humane health care practices that respect and support the fragile mother-baby interaction. Also important are health workers who know how to manage breastfeeding . problems, because they have a profound
Care Practices
Related
to Breastfeeding,
understanding of its scientific basis. Exclusive breastfeeding, at least for the first 46 months, will help prevent diarrhea1 diseases, promote growth and development, and provide an element of contraception. Hence it will reduce the need for oral rehydration therapy (ORT), food assistance, and family planning services. Prolonged breastfeeding which is supported by family planning also makes a significant contribution to nutrition through at least the second year of a child’s life. The Interagency Workshop agreed that what is needed now is a political commitment from governments as well as donor agencies to support the ongoing effort to promote and protect breastfeeding in a practical manner that enables women to choose to breastfeed. Likewise, professional organizations of health workers at all levels are called upon to formulate a clear. breastfeeding promotion and support policy.
Health care
practices
related to breastfeeding