Breastfeeding Support Home Visits, Amanda Stuart

"Independent studies say there is no proven link between artificially added DHA and eyesight, and some studies have found possible negative effects of DHA supplementation." Interested? Read more here: info.babymilkaction.org/pressrelease/pressrelease16mar11

from http://www.surgeongeneral.gov/topics/breastfeeding/factsheet.html

"What can families and friends of mothers do?

• Give mothers the support and encouragement they need to breastfeed.
• Take advantage of programs to educate fathers and grandmothers about breastfeeding."

 New  Rochelle, NY, September 25, 2008 – The number of infants  in China who have fallen ill as a result of formula tainted by  melamine, has reached 53,000 and is responsible for the deaths  of at least three infants. (New  York Times,  September 24, 2008)

 A report released by the Xinhua News Agency indicates the Sanlu Group,  the producer of the tainted formula, had received consumer complaints  about their product as early as December 2007, and repeatedly made  efforts to hide information about possible contamination. Melamine,  a chemical compound used mainly as a fire retardant, has been identified  as the contaminant in the formula which has now led to the recall of  Chinese-made dairy products in China and other parts of Asia as well.

 In  response to these continuing reports of tainted Chinese baby formula,  the Academy of Breastfeeding Medicine (www.bfmed.org) urges  public agencies worldwide to renew education and support for breastfeeding.  The tragic and unnecessary deaths of infants in China , and the sickening  of thousands of others, remind us of a truth health experts have long  understood: with extremely rare exceptions, breastmilk is unquestionably  the safest method of infant feeding.   Much attention has  been focused lately on ways in which food and other supply chains in  China should be more carefully monitored and regulated, a problem which  has proven to be ubiquitous, deeply engrained in the Chinese economy,  and thus far highly unmanageable.

 In  the case of infant feeding, however, very little has been said about  what would appear to be the most effective long-term strategy to  protect infants against future feeding catastrophes, namely, the  promotion of breastfeeding.  The melamine scandal,  together with the terribly catastrophic earthquake that ravaged so  many Chinese communities last May, should have demonstrated to China  and to the entire world that breastfeeding is a practice that all societies  should cherish, safeguard, and promote. This stark reminder of the  potential dangers of artificial milk, underscores the importance of promoting, protecting, and supporting breastfeeding worldwide.

 Dr.  Caroline Chantry, President of the Academy of Breastfeeding  Medicine, pointed out “ China is not the first, or only country to fall prey to contaminated baby formula. But we must make  it the last. And we do know how.”

 According  to the World Alliance for Breastfeeding Action (WABA), a recent decline  in funding world-wide for public education and training of health  professionals to support breastfeeding, has resulted in a decline  of hospitals implementing the WHO/UNICEF Baby-Friendly Hospital Initiative.  The Initiative incorporates ten steps for successful breastfeeding,  and forbids the unethical promotion of beastmilk substitutes in health  facilities. And the  Academy of Breastfeeding  Medicine continues to promote professional education through its  conferences, publications, and its peer-reviewed journal Breastfeeding Medicine (www.liebertpub.com/bfm).

International Nestlé-Free Week, July 2-8 2007 INFACT Canada has long supported the international boycott of Nestlé products. As the campaign’s coordinator in North America, we are very excited to announce that this year, July 2-8 has been declared International Nestlé-Free Week. According the the World Health Organisation (WHO) 1.5 million babies die every year as a result of inappropriate feeding practices. Many of these deaths occur in impoverished nations as a result of infant formula use. Despite this, Nestlé continues to aggressively adverstise its baby milks in breach of international standards. Monitoring by groups on the ground around the world shows Nestlé is responsible for more violations than any other company. That's why it is singled out for boycott action. If you don't boycott Nestlé already, we ask that you consider looking at the evidence and giving up Nestlé products for one week, at least. Boycott groups around the world have declared 2-8 July to be International Nestlé-Free Week. The boycott has forced some changes from the company, but Nestlé is still a long way from complying with marketing standards that will save infant lives. Campaigners are also working for laws which implement the International Code of Marketing of Breast-Milk Substitutes. Nestlé can be forced to comply if it is given no choice, but without pressure it continues to put its own profits before infant health and mothers' rights. You can find out more information and look at the evidence yourself on the Baby Milk Action website at: http://www.babymilkaction.org/resources/boycott/nestlefree.html You can sign up there to support the boycott. You can also visit http://www.infactcanada.ca/Nestle_Boycott.htm. It is important to tell Nestlé you will be boycotting it, whether it is just for the week, or indefinitely, until it accepts and acts on the plan put to it by boycott groups for saving infant lives. You can telephone Nestlé Infant Nutrition in Canada at 1 800 387-5536. In the USA, their contact number is 1-800-225-2270. You can also send them an email through their website at www.nestle.com. Let them know you won’t fund their unethical marketing of infant formula.

Here is feedback moms have allowed me to pass on in the past: “Thank you so much for all the time you spent consulting me on the ins, outs, ups, & downs of breastfeeding. We feel really fortunate that I could call on you for help during this time of adjustment. Your generosity of time and willingness to hear out all my concerns has meant a lot to all of us. The last conversation I had with you helped put many of my fears to rest and helped me feel a lot more confident about breastfeeding. Thank you so much for helping walk me through everything. Your thoughts & ideas have made a big difference in my experience & the breastfeeding is going much better these days.” Monica, mom to Eli “...baby is doing good, up to 9 lbs, eating, sleeping, pooping great! Going to see my niece Xmas eve & tell her how much help you were. Hopefully, she'll give you a call.” Lisa, mom to Katie “Breastfeeding was the most amazing experience which caught me off guard. I doubted the bonding capacity and was simply doing it because I knew it was best for Ian. Now that he is fully weaned, I miss nursing ... I think maybe more than he does :)...Thank you again Amanda!” Amy, mom to Ian

I have some gift certificates at auction that could go for great prices. To support breastfeeding and public broadcasting at the same time, go to the following link and search keyword mom: http://www.wgvuauction.org/