On August 1, the World Breastfeeding Week which is celebrated until the seven of this month in more than 170 countries, and whose motto for this year (as we were told in Babies and More) is “Understanding the Past-Planning the Future”.
At first glance (it is my opinion) it seems shocking that something so natural, linked to our own nature as mammals, and beneficial for babies and mothers, needs promotion and recognition.
But it is more understandable when we know that 'Global breastfeeding rates have remained relatively stagnant in the developing world, with growth from 32% in 1995 to 39% in 2010', despite convincing evidence that shows that exclusive breastfeeding prevents diseases such as diarrhea and pneumonia, which kill millions of children every year. WHO tells us that breastfeeding It is one of the most effective ways to ensure the health and survival of children. Combined with complementary feeding, optimal breastfeeding prevents malnutrition and can save the lives of about one million children.
And another organization that is positioned at the time of spread the benefits of breastfeeding It is UNICEF, in fact its executive director (Anthony Lake) states that “if breastfeeding were promoted more effectively and women were protected from aggressive marketing of breast milk substitutes, we would see that more children survive and thrive with lower rates of disease, malnutrition and stunted growth. ”
The world leaders who are part of the movement 'commitment to child survival: a renewed promise', pledged to work to end child deaths that can be avoided. World Breastfeeding Week represents an opportunity to reaffirm the fundamental role of this practice in reducing infant mortality.
Breastfeeding should be valued as a benefit not only for babies, mothers and families, but also for the savings that it implies for long-term governments. But currently according to WHO data 'children under six months fed exclusively with breast milk do not reach 40%'. Adequate support for mothers and families to initiate and maintain breastfeeding could save the lives of many children
Before finishing I would like to leave you with this document that exposes the benefits of Breastfeeding; and with these beautiful photographs belonging to the Photographic Contest that the Grup Nodrissa (Dénia / Alicante), family health education (with the support of different public entities) annually.
