<<ILCA issued a press release on April 28 regarding the importance of BF 
during outbreaks of swine flu>>

Thanks for alerting us, Liz.

I was disappointed with the release, though.  I felt it would have addressed 
the situation even more effectively, and perhaps got more attention, if 
there had been a paragraph straight under the first one saying something 
like:

"It is vital that newborn babies are protected by exclusive breastfeeding 
from birth.  Parents are urged to insist on competent help with 
breastfeeding at hospitals and birthing centres, with minimal mother-baby 
separation, so that their babies are not put at risk from this disease." 
And then the rest of the release.

Instead, "new mothers" (and not "new babies") receive a throwaway mention at 
the end, just above the contact details.

Sure, breastfeeding for other mothers "should continue", and it was good to 
address any misinformed concerns about passing on medication and illness 
through breast milk.    But here we have a wonderful opportunity for 
highlighting exclusivity and the importance of universal initiation of 
breastfeeding in times of crisis (if not at all times).

Perhaps we wouldn't really want to imply that parents don't receive 
competent help at hospitals, so my paragraph  should be rephrased more 
delicately....but this IS a good time to encourage mothers to provide 
another few days/weeks of breastfeeding for at least one batch of babies. 
Who knows, the mothers may even enjoy the experience after all.

Hm, talk about making a silk purse from a sow's ear or something.....

Best wishes
Jacquie Nutt IBCLC
South Africa


 

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