Breastfeeding Balances Environment

The World Alliance for Breastfeeding Action (WABA) works globally for the very cause of breastfeeding advocacy and this year they have released the global theme “Prioritise Breastfeeding-Create Sustainable Support Systems” which Invites involvement of Governmemt, Health Care Professionals and General Public in supporting this cause. Breastfeeding is a feeding method which generates no carbon footprints of its own, as a well nourished woman utilising her body fat stores needs no extra food. Breastfeeding does not burden the earth with waste requiring disposal.

On the other hand, the breastmilk substitutes i.e the industrially manufactured milk formula adds to GHG emissions at every step of production, transport and use.

It also generates waste, which needs disposal, further adding to climate change. .A study By IBFAN revealed that in India of total sale of milk formula leads to 111,226 Tonnes of Green House Gases (GHG) while in China corresponding figure is 2,249,287 tonnes. A latest series of the Lancet in 2016 revealed how breastfeeding if scaled up to universal levels can truly contribute to protection of environment by zero waste, whereas formula feeding which is rapidly growing with the economies leaves behind a huge carbon footprint.

Breastfeeding is the most natural way for infant feeding. To create awareness about breastfeeding and its sustainable nature with a harmonious impact on our environment is just as promoting the existence of our very balance in mother earth! WHO has given wonderful key messages mentioned below which should invoke us to start pondering over restoring this natures technique of Nurturing our Infants to create an immune and strong Progeny which forms the foundation of a Country.

Why invest in breastfeeding

Investing in breastfeeding support is one of the most powerful tools policy-makers have at their disposal to improve public health, strengthen economies, and secure the well-being of future generations.
Breastfeeding protects child health and improves survival, especially in the first months of life. In addition to essential nutrition, it provides critical antibodies that protect against many common illnesses like diarrheas, pneumonia, and infections.
The impacts of breastfeeding extend well beyond infancy. Breastfed children are less likely to become overweight or obese and have a lower risk of developing type 2 diabetes and other chronic conditions. Mothers also benefit — breastfeeding reduces the risk of postpartum hemorrhage, breast and ovarian cancers, heart disease, and type 2 diabetes.
With the right investments, countries can significantly increase rates of exclusive breastfeeding — evidenced by global improvements over the last decade. Around 10% more infants today are exclusively breastfed at 6 months compared to 2013, with some countries seeing 20% increases over this same period

Key actions for the health sector

Support every step of the journey. Provide skilled, compassionate breastfeeding support from pregnancy through early childhood, ensuring mothers have ongoing access to trained breastfeeding counselling from pregnancy through the early years – providing particular support at moments of transition.
Train and empower health workers. Ensure all health workers covering maternal and child health are equipped with up-to-date breastfeeding knowledge and skills.
Create breastfeeding-friendly health systems. Make hospitals and clinics safe, supportive spaces for breastfeeding through the Baby-Friendly Hospital Initiative and beyond.

Key actions for governments

Invest in the future. Allocate dedicated funding for breastfeeding support, including by ensuring all mothers have access to skilled breastfeeding support in hospital and when they take their babies home, alongside robust maternity protections like paid leave after having a baby.
Implement the WHO Code. Fully adopt and enforce the International Code of Marketing of Breast-milk Substitutes to safeguard public health.
Lead by example. Champion investment in breastfeeding in national health strategies and ensure accountability through legislation, regulation and monitoring impact of breastfeeding programmes.
Put babies before bottom lines. Enact and enforce policies that protect breastfeeding and prevent commercial influence over infant feeding by meNS OF PROMOTING Breastmilk substitutes (Infant feeding Formula).

Key actions for the general public

We can all step up to support mothers – Families, friends, employers, and communities all play a role in supporting breastfeeding mothers and creating supportive environments for them to breastfeed anytime, anywhere.
Speak up for breastfeeding support – Advocate for policies and environments that make breastfeeding easier and more accessible for all families.

So let us Join Hands from all Possible domains of Society to promote Breastfeeding as WHO statistics Suggest that only 48% of infants under 6 months are exclusively breast fed while we should aware that just by imoproving breastfeeding rates we can save more than 600,000 lives per year.

Sources

By-

Dr.Surabhi Sangwai

Consultant Pediatrician , International Board Certified Lactation Consultant(USA),IYCN Expert, Pediatric Sleep Physician.

Founder -Birth and Beyond Clinic, Child Care and Lactation Counseling Cente,Nagpur (Since 2020)

Life Member and External Assessor at Breastfeeding Promotion Network of india.

Founder: Vidarbha lactation Professional Network