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Why it is important to share and act on information about
BREASTFEEDING
Babies who are breastfed have fewer illnesses and are better
nourished than those who are fed other drinks and foods. If all babies
were fed only breastmilk for the first six months of life,
the lives of an estimated 1.5 million infants would be saved every
year and the health and development of millions of others would be
greatly improved.
Using breastmilk substitutes, such as infant formula or animal's
milk, can be a threat to infants' health. This is particularly the case
if parents cannot afford sufficient substitutes, which are quite
expensive, or do not always have clean water with which to mix
them.
Almost every mother can breastfeed successfully. Those who might
lack the confidence to breastfeed need the encouragement and practical
support of the baby's father and their family, friends and relatives.
Health workers, women's organizations, the mass media and employers can
also provide support.
Everyone should have access to information about the benefits of
breastfeeding and it is the duty of every government to provide this
information.
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What every family and community has a right to know about
BREASTFEEDING
1. Breastmilk ALONE is the only food and drink an infant needs for
the first six months. No other food or drink, not even water, is
usually needed during this period.
2. There is a risk that a woman infected with HIV can pass the
disease on to her infant through breastfeeding. Women who are infected
or suspect that they may be infected should consult a
trained health worker for testing, counselling and advice on how to
reduce the risk of infecting the child.
3. Newborn babies should be kept close to their mothers and begin
breastfeeding within one hour of birth.
4. Frequent breastfeeding causes more milk to be produced. Almost
every mother can breastfeed successfully.
5. Breastfeeding helps protect babies and young children against
dangerous illnesses. It also creates a special bond between mother and
child.
6. Bottle-feeding can lead to illness and death. If a woman cannot
breastfeed her infant, the baby should be fed breastmilk or a
breastmilk substitute from an ordinary clean cup.
7. From the age of six months, babies need a variety of additional
foods, but breastfeeding should continue through the child's second
year and beyond.
8. A woman employed away from her home can continue to breastfeed
her child if she breastfeeds as often as possible when she is with the
infant.
9. Exclusive breastfeeding can give a woman more than 98 per cent
protection against pregnancy for six months after giving birth - but
only if her menstrual periods have not resumed, if her baby
breastfeeds frequently day and night, and if the baby is not given any
other food or drinks, or a pacifier or dummy.
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