The theme for this year's World Breastfeeding Week (August 1-7) is Breastfeeding in a globalised world: for peace and justice. This theme provides an opportunity to consider the obstacles as well as the benefits of globalisation in promoting breastfeeding as a symbol for peace and justice. Globalisation may be viewed as a set of rules where economic interests of transnational corporations often take precedence over a nation's sovereign rights and health goals (for example over the years, use of formula milk became increasingly the norm rather than the exception). Yet, globalisation has also brought about tools and structures (such as Internet and e-mails) than can strengthen breastfeeding cultures and protect this natural (also a learned behaviour) and universal act of nurturing children.
Helping mothers to initiate breastfeeding within 30 minutes of birth is one of the 10 steps to successful breastfeeding included in the National Breastfeeding Policy (2000). Statistics held by the National Obstetric Information System show that last year the rate of infants breast-fed within 30 minutes of birth was at a low of 35 per cent.
In addition between 1996 and 2002, an annual average of 12 per cent of mothers who gave birth to infants opted for mixed (breast and bottle) feeding. Such a practice makes babies less able to suckle at the breast and leads to increasing dependency on artificial milk, consequently leading to breasfeeding failure. Fortunately, with adequate professional help, mothers may resume breastfeeding.
Even in today's globalised world, breast milk still provides the perfect nutrition for babies, while its natural anti-infective properties protect against diarrhea and respiratory infections. Growing evidence is showing that breastfeeding produces hormones that actually reduce tension, calming both mother and child, thus breastfeeding should be protected at all times.
In view of these benefits, the Health Promotion Department urges all health care professionals and other stakeholders to work together towards the promotion of a breastfeeding culture in Malta.
On a positive note, statistics for the first quarter of 2003 show that the rate of breast-fed infants within 30 minutes of delivery was 47 per cent. An increase of 27 per cent compared to the 20 per cent of breast-fed infants within 30 minutes of delivery during the first quarter of 2002. It is hoped that this trend will be sustained for the remaining months of 2003 and continues to improve in the years ahead.
The national breastfeeding policy (2000) projected various ways how to implement a breastfeeding culture, some of which have already been accomplished. Others, however, still need to be implemented, such as the setting up of social systems that provide optimum support for breastfeeding mothers/families (for example, baby-friendly work and public places should be the norm and not the exception). Another important measure also recommended by the National Breastfeeding Policy (2000) is the endorsement of a legislation to control the marketing of breast milk substitute.
The Health Promotion Department for this week produced a poster that was distributed in various health settings and in the community. The poster aims to remind health professionals of their responsibilities in adhering to the International Code of Breastmilk substitutes.
It also serves as an encouragement to mothers (and mothers-to-be) to exclusively breastfeed their infants for at least the first six months of life, although breastfeeding, should be continued up to two years and beyond (WHO/UNICEF 2001).
The Health Promotion Department also prepared two public service announcements to be screened on TV, through World Breastfeeding Week. The aim is to raise public awareness while promoting and protecting breastfeeding families at home and in public places, in a society where breastfeeding is more likely to be undermined.
Further information may be obtained by contacting Ms Lucienne Pace (Health Promotion Department) on tel: 2123-1247.