What organization promotes breastfeeding?

Introduction
Breastfeeding is a vital aspect of infant nutrition and maternal health, and numerous organizations around the world advocate for its benefits. Among these, the World Health Organization (WHO) stands out as a leading entity promoting breastfeeding globally.
World Health Organization (WHO)
The WHO, established in 1948, is a specialized agency of the United Nations responsible for international public health. Its commitment to breastfeeding is evident through various initiatives and campaigns aimed at educating mothers and healthcare professionals about the advantages of breastfeeding.
Key Initiatives:
– Global Strategy for Infant and Young Child Feeding: Launched in 2003, this strategy emphasizes the importance of breastfeeding in the first six months of life and continued breastfeeding until at least the age of two.
– Baby-Friendly Hospital Initiative (BFHI): Introduced in 1991, the BFHI encourages hospitals to adopt practices that support breastfeeding, ensuring that mothers receive the necessary help to initiate and maintain breastfeeding.
Other Notable Organizations
While the WHO is a primary advocate, several other organizations also promote breastfeeding:
– UNICEF (United Nations Children’s Fund): In collaboration with WHO, UNICEF works to improve maternal and child health through breastfeeding campaigns, emphasizing the need for support systems for breastfeeding mothers.

– La Leche League International (LLLI): Founded in 1956, LLLI is a nonprofit organization that provides education, support, and encouragement to breastfeeding mothers through meetings, resources, and a network of peer supporters.
– International Lactation Consultant Association (ILCA): This organization focuses on the professional development of lactation consultants, providing resources and training to improve breastfeeding support.
Importance of Breastfeeding Promotion
Promoting breastfeeding is crucial for multiple reasons:
– Health Benefits for Infants: Breast milk provides essential nutrients, antibodies, and enzymes that support the infant’s immune system and promote healthy growth.
– Maternal Health: Breastfeeding can lower the risk of certain cancers and helps mothers recover from childbirth.
– Economic Impact: Promoting breastfeeding can reduce healthcare costs associated with infant illnesses and improve workforce productivity by lowering absenteeism related to childcare.
Conclusion
The promotion of breastfeeding is a global initiative supported by numerous organizations, with the WHO leading the charge. Through their efforts, these entities aim to enhance public awareness, provide support for mothers, and ultimately improve health outcomes for both mothers and infants. As research continues to demonstrate the numerous benefits of breastfeeding, the importance of these organizations becomes increasingly significant in fostering a culture of breastfeeding worldwide.

What organization is related to breastfeeding?

The Breastfeeding Promotion Network of India (BPNI) was founded on 3rd December, 1991 at Wardha, Maharashtra. It is a national network of organisations and individuals dedicated to promote mother and child health through protection, promotion, and support of breastfeeding.

Does Unicef promote breastfeeding?

In high-income countries, 21 per cent of babies, or more than 1 in 5, never receive breastmilk. UNICEF and WHO recommend: Initiation of breastfeeding within the first hour of life. Exclusive breastfeeding, without any additional food or fluids, not even water, for the first six months.

What agency recommends breastfeeding?

The World Health Organization currently promotes as a global public health recommendation that: Infants be exclusively breastfed for the first 6 months after birth to achieve optimal growth, development, and health.

What is the program to promote breastfeeding?

WIC promotes and supports breastfeeding as an important part of the nutrition service benefits to meet its mission of safeguarding the health of low-income women, infants and children.

What is the promotion of breastfeeding?

Experts suggest breastfeeding within the first day of birth until the infant is 6-months old. Promotion of breastfeeding during this period could potentially reduce the mortality rates by 16% if infant was breast fed since day one and 22% if the infant was breastfed within the first hour.

WHO promotes breastfeeding?

WHO and UNICEF created the Global Breastfeeding Collective to rally political, legal, financial, and public support for breastfeeding. The Collective brings together implementers and donors from governments, philanthropies, international organizations, and civil society.

Does UNICEF promote breastfeeding?

In high-income countries, 21 per cent of babies, or more than 1 in 5, never receive breastmilk. UNICEF and WHO recommend: Initiation of breastfeeding within the first hour of life. Exclusive breastfeeding, without any additional food or fluids, not even water, for the first six months.

What organization promotes World Breastfeeding Week?

World Breastfeeding Week is held in the first week of August every year, supported by WHO, UNICEF and many Ministries of Health and civil society partners. The theme for 2024 is Closing the gap: Breastfeeding support for all.

Who promotes breastfeeding?

WHO and UNICEF created the Global Breastfeeding Collective to rally political, legal, financial, and public support for breastfeeding. The Collective brings together implementers and donors from governments, philanthropies, international organizations, and civil society.

What are the US recommendations for breastfeeding?

The American Academy of Pediatrics and the World Health Organization also recommend exclusive breastfeeding for about the first 6 months, with continued breastfeeding along with introducing appropriate complementary foods for up to 2 years of age or longer.