World Breastfeeding Week 2009 • 1-7 August 2009 --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
WBW Theme for 2009 Breastfeeding: A Vital Emergency Response Are you ready?
OBJECTIVES of WORLD BREASTFEEDING WEEK 2009 To draw attention to the vital role that breastfeeding plays in emergencies worldwide. To stress the need for active protection and support of breastfeeding before and during emergencies. To inform mothers, breastfeeding advocates, communities, health professionals, governments, aid agencies, donors, and the media on how they can actively support breastfeeding before and during an emergency. To mobilise action and nurture networking and collaboration between those with breastfeeding skills and those involved in emergency response. RATIONALE Children are the most vulnerable in emergencies – child mortality can soar from 2 to 70 times higher than average due to diarrhoea, respiratory illness and malnutrition. Breastfeeding is a life saving intervention and protection is greatest for the youngest infants. Even in non-emergency settings, non-breastfed babies under 2 months of age are six times more likely to die. Emergencies can happen anywhere in the world. Emergencies destroy what is ‘normal,’ leaving caregivers struggling to cope and infants vulnerable to disease and death. During emergencies, mothers need active support to continue or re-establish breastfeeding. Emergency preparedness is vital. Supporting breastfeeding in non-emergency settings will strengthen mothers’ capacity to cope in an emergency.
BMSG(S) is the only organization in Singapore that promotes, supports and
protects breastfeeding by mothers to mothers. Our mission is to increase
the incidence and duration of breastfeeding, for the promotion of better
health in Singapore. BMSG(S) is a registered charity and a member of the
Health Endowment Fund*.
To promote breastfeeding
By raising awareness of the benefits of breastfeeding to both mother and
child
* through events such as the annual World Breastfeeding Week
* through media
* through in-house publications such as the quarterly Keeping
Abreast newsletter, a book on “Practical Hints” for breastfeeding,
breastfeeding booklets for general public and car decals
To support breastfeeding
By offering support and timely information to new mothers and
mothers-to-be
* through helpline phone and email counselling
* through in-house library of resource materials and books
* through sale of products such as breast pumps, nursing clothes and
other essential accessories
* through regular support gatherings
To protect breastfeeding
By providing accurate information and protecting against unethical
practices in the infant health industry
* through workshops and talks
* through working closely with SIFECS (Sale of Infant Food Ethics
Committee Singapore) which reports on violations of ethics by
formula companies
The Consequence of NOT Breastfeeding
* Babies who are not breastfed enjoy less protection from diarrhea,
ear and respiratory infections, eczema, influenza and allergies,
pre-disposing them to higher risks of getting diabetes, high blood
pressure, obesity and cancers as adults.
* Mothers who do not breastfeed may experience more postpartum
hemorrhage and face higher risks of pre-menopausal breast, ovarian
and uterine cancers.
* Families whose babies are not breastfed will incur higher costs
with purchases of formula and frequent visits to the doctors
translating to higher expenses and more childcare leave taken.