Bringing Care to Life
Lancet Series reaffirms importance of breastfeeding
The well-known health benefits of breastfeeding are highlighted in The Lancet Breastfeeding Series, released today. They point out that the rate of exclusive breastfeeding worldwide has not improved in two decades. Our 18 videos on breastfeeding help raise these rates by providing health workers and mothers with practical information on “how-to” skills and problem management that can lead to greater breastfeeding success.
According to WHO, their “estimates published in ‘The Lancet’ reveal that increasing breastfeeding to near-universal levels could save more than 800,000 lives every year, the majority being children under 6 months. In addition, nearly half of all diarrhoeal diseases and one-third of all respiratory infections in children in low- and middle-income countries could be prevented with increased rates of breastfeeding.”
The WHO summary goes on to say that “countries need to invest in policies and programmes that support women’s breastfeeding. Supportive health-care systems, adequate maternity leave entitlements, workplace interventions, counselling and educational programmes can all help to improve breastfeeding rates.” Our breastfeeding videos play a pivotal role in this effort as breastfeeding is best taught by seeing live-action examples.