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10th May 2004 National Breastfeeding Awareness Week 2004Co-ordinated by the Department of Health, National Breastfeeding Week (9th - 15th May) aims to highlight that breastfeeding is good for the health of mother and baby. They would like women to recognise their right to breastfeed anytime and anywhere and for friends, family and health professionals to provide support for breastfeeding. In 2004 the campaign is particularly focusing on younger mothers and low-income families as these groups have the lowest breastfeeding rates. Following World Health Organisation guidelines, the Department of Health's recommendations to support women breastfeeding state: " Breastmilk is the best form of nutrition for infants " Exclusive breastfeeding is recommended for the first six months (26 weeks) of an infant's life, as it provides all the nutrients a baby needs. " Breastfeeding (and/or breast milk substitutes, if used) should continue beyond the first six months along with appropriate types and amounts of solid foods. " Mothers who are unable to, or choose not to, follow these recommendations should be supported to optimise their infants nutrition. UNICEF estimates that 1.5 million babies worldwide die each year because they are not breastfed. In England and Wales 29% of mothers do not breastfeed. Breastfeeding Awareness Week aims to promote the need for an environment where women of all ethnic, social and cultural backgrounds are comfortable with feeding their baby anywhere and at any time. To do this they need to create an atmosphere of support from friends, family, partners and health professionals. The more vocal this support the stronger the encouragement to new mothers to take up and carry on breastfeeding their infant. Where to next?
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