WORLD BREASTFEEDING WEEK (1–7 August 2012)

 The Road to Lifelong Health Begins with Breastfeeding.

         The theme of this year’s World Breastfeeding Week is ‘Understanding the Past, Planning for the Future,’

World Breastfeeding Week is celebrated every year from 1 to 7 August in more than 170 countries to encourage breastfeeding and improve the health of babies around the world. It commemorates the Innocenti Declaration made by WHO and UNICEF policy-makers in August 1990 to protect, promote and support breastfeeding.

Breastfeeding is the best way to provide newborns with the nutrients they need. WHO recommends exclusive breastfeeding until a baby is six months old, and continued breastfeeding with the addition of nutritious complementary foods for up to two years or beyond.

Infants should be exclusively breastfed – i.e. receive only breast milk – for the first six months of life to achieve optimal growth, development and health. "Exclusive breastfeeding" is defined as giving no other food or drink – not even water – except breast milk. It does, however, allow the infant to receive oral rehydration salts (ORS), drops and syrups (vitamins, minerals and medicines). Breast milk is the ideal food for the healthy growth and development of infants; breastfeeding is also an integral part of the reproductive process with important implications for the health of mothers.

Smty.Bennet Baby J.Public Health nurse briefed regarding breast feeding followed by an  expert talk by Dr.Leena during Block CHC Conference at CHC Kumarakom on 4/8/2012.Health education sessions will be conducted in the Kumarakom health block area during this week.