Breast Feeding: A Key To Sustainable Development

           http://worldbreastfeedingweek.org/

The World Breastfeeding Week 2016 theme is on raising awareness of the links between breastfeeding and the Sustainable Development Goals. By recognizing that breastfeeding is a key to sustainable development, we will value our well-being from the start of life, respect each other and care for the world we share. 

"Breastfeeding is not only the cornerstone of a child’s healthy development; it is also the foundation of a country’s development."
http://worldbreastfeedingweek.org/pdf/wbw2016-los-unicef.pdf

THEME
This year's WBW theme is Breastfeeding: a key to Sustainable Development. 2016 commemorates the start of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). A broad approach using the sustainability theme is thus relevant and inclusive. 

By linking breastfeeding to the SDGs, the breastfeeding movement (and beyond) will be able to connect with a variety of development issues over the next 15 years (by 2030) for maximum impact. 

WBW materials cover the main links between breastfeeding and the SDGs along 5 broad themes
 1) nutrition/food security
 2) health, well-being and survival
 3) environment and climate change
 4) work productivity, empowerment, social protection, and
 5) sustainable partnerships and rule of law. 


LOGO

The logo depicts a 'triad' of two adults and an infant, which reinforces the importance of support. The proportions and forms between the two adults have been equalised to symbolise equity and the collaborative act of nurturing. The new WBW design shows an affinity with the SDG campaign, but places the infant and carers at the centre.

The logo was designed by Ammar Khalifa and commissioned by WABA which owns the copyright.


OBJECTIVES

Sustainable development is essentially about ecology, economy and equity.

ELEMENTS OF SUPPORT

Links between each of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and Breastfeeding.

GOOD HEALTH AND WELL BEING : Breastfeeding significantly improves the health, development and survival of infants and children. It also contributes to improved health and well being of mothers, both in the short and long term.

QUALITY EDUCATION : Breastfeeding and adequate complementary feeding are fundamentals for readiness to learn. Breastfeeding and good quality complementary foods significantly contribute to mental and cognitive development and thus promote learning.

GENDER EQUALITY : Breastfeeding is the great equaliser, giving every child a fair and best start in life. Breastfeeding is uniquely a right of women and they should be supported by society to breastfeed optimally. The breastfeeding experience can be satisfying and empowering for the mother as she is in control of how she feeds her baby.

CLEAN WATER AND SANITATION : Breastfeeding on demand provides all the water a baby needs, even in hot weather. On the other hand, formula feeding requires access to clean water, hygiene and sanitation.

AFFORDABLE AND CLEAN ENERGY : Breastfeeding entails less energy when compared to formula production industries. It also reduces the need for water, firewood and fossil fuels in the home.

DECENT  WORK AND ECONOMIC GROWTH : Breastfeeding women who are supported by their employers are more productive and loyal. Maternity protection and other workplace policies can enable women to combine breastfeeding and their other work or employment. Decent jobs should cater to the needs of breastfeeding women, especially those in precarious situations.

INDUSTRY, INNOVATION AND INFRASTRUCTURE : With industrialisation and urbanisation the time and space challenges become more prominent. Breastfeeding mothers who work outside the home need to manage these challenges and be supported by employers, their own families and communities. Crèches near the workplace, lactation rooms and breastfeeding breaks can make a big difference.

REDUCED INEQUALITIES : Breastfeeding practices differ across the globe. Breastfeeding needs to be protected, promoted and supported among all, but in particular among poor and vulnerable groups. This will help to reduce inequalities.

SUSTAINABLE CITIES AND COMMUNITIES : In the bustle of big cities, breastfeeding mothers and their babies need to feel safe and welcome in all public spaces. When disaster and humanitarian crises strike, women and children are affected disproportionately. Pregnant and lactating women need particular support during such times.

RESPONSIBLE CONSUMPTION AND PRODUCTION : Breastfeeding provides a healthy, viable, non-polluting, non-resource intensive, sustainable and natural source of nutrition and sustenance.

CLIMATE ACTION : Breastfeeding safeguards infant health and nutrition in times of adversity and weather-related disasters due to global warming.

LIFE BELOW WATER : Breastfeeding entails less waste compared to formula feeding. Industrial formula production and distribution lead to waste that pollutes the seas and affects marine life.

LIFE ON LAND : Breastfeeding is ecological compared to formula feeding. Formula production implies dairy farming that oft en puts pressure on natural resources and contributes to carbon emissions and climate change.

PEACE AND JUSTICE STRONG INSTITUTIONS : Breastfeeding is enshrined in many human rights frameworks and conventions. National legislation and policies to protect and support breastfeeding mothers and babies are needed to ensure that their rights are upheld.

PARTNERSHIP FOR THE GOALS : The Global Strategy for Infant and Young Child Feeding (GSIYCF) fosters multi-sectorial collaboration, and can build upon various partnerships for support of development through breastfeeding programs and initiatives.

ZERO HUNGER : Exclusive breastfeeding and continued breastfeeding for two years and beyond provide high quality nutrients and adequate energy and can help prevent hunger, under

nutrition and obesity. Breastfeeding also means food security for infants.

NO POVERTY : Breastfeeding is a natural and low-cost way of feeding babies and children. It is affordable for everyone and does not burden household budgets compared to artificial feeding.

Breastfeeding contributes to poverty reduction.

BENEFITS OF BREAST FEEDING

Babies who breastfeed at a lower risk of

• Gastroenteritis
• Respiratory infections
• Sudden infant death syndrome 
• Obesity
• Type 1 & 2 diabetes
• Allergies (e.g. asthma, lactose intolerance)

Benefits to mothers

• The longer mothers breastfeed, the greater their protection against breast and ovarian cancer, and hip fractures in later life.
• Recent evidence has demonstrated an association between prolonged breastfeeding and postmenopausal risk factors for cardiovascular (CV) disease.
• The World Cancer Research Fund includes breastfeeding as one of 10 recommendations to reduce the risk.
• These illnesses all represent the greatest threats to women’s health across all ages.

* Supported by Sida 
WABA would also like to acknowledge the support of the United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF) and World Health Organisation (WHO), as well as the participation of our Core Partners - Academy of Breastfeeding Medicine (ABM), International Baby Food Action Network (IBFAN), International Lactation Consultant Association (ILCA), La Leche League International (LLLI), and Wellstart International - in the successful coordination of World Breastfeeding Week.WABA does not accept sponsorship of any kind from companies producing breastmilk substitutes, related equipment and complementary foods. WABA encourages all participants of World Breastfeeding Week to respect and follow this ethical stance. 

* This Article is in accordance to WHO and UNICEF.
      This article is for Awareness for Breast Feeding and health care.
      No Advertising or Promotion of any kind has been done.

 Always consult with your Family Physician/ Doctor for any queries or health related issues.

                                                                                                              Dr Mohit Bansal