Dear Friends:

World Breastfeeding Week is ALWAYS August 1-7, EVERY YEAR!
That's WORLD Breastfeeding Week, as declared by the World Alliance for
Breastfeeding Action.  The observance is on the anniversary of the
signing of the Innocenti Declaration.

Now, having said this, you must also examine your local or national
situation.  Some countries (Canada, much of Europe) have their large
breastfeeding public awareness campaigns in late September/early
October.  Britain has it's big national breastfeeding day in May (I
believe) to coincide with their 'Mother's Day.'  Some states in the U.S.
have set breastfeeding events around the U.S. Mother's Day and other
times of the year.  Please understand, these are not WORLD BREASTFEEDING
WEEK.  They are "Kentucky Breastfeeding Awareness Month", "Canadian
Breastfeeding Week", etc.

The Theme for 1998 is "Breastfeeding: The Best Investment."  It will
focus on the economics of breastfeeding.  There are many ways that
breastfeeding and economics intersect for families, businesses,
governments, hospitals, health care providers, etc.

The World Alliance for Breastfeeding Action is finalizing the content of
their Action Folder, which should be available in March or April.  For
some preview information, you can go to their Website:
<www.elogica.com.br/waba>.

ILCA is developing an Action Kit to help LCs and other breastfeeding
supporters to celebrate the day.  It will include background
information, camera-ready pieces targeting employers, families, and
insurance companies, table tents, book marks, and posters.  It will be
available in March or April.  You can contact me concerning this at
<[log in to unmask]>.

INFACT-Canada is developing an Action Kit for Canadian breastfeeding
supporters.  It will also contain a lot of ready-made materials.  You
can email the director at <[log in to unmask]> for more information.

La Leche League International will again hold its "World Walk for
Breastfeeding."  You can get in touch with your local groups and/or
contact the main office to get more specifics. Their website is
<www.lalecheleague.org>.

As things become available, I will be sure to post to Lactnet to let
everyone know.  In the meantime, think about YOUR area, worksite,
clientele, who you want to target, and what aspect of the economics of
breastfeeding would be most interesting to THEM!  No ready-made packet
is going to be able to give you everything you need, but it can give you
a start.

Good Luck and Best Wishes!
Doraine Bailey
ILCA World Breastfeeding Week Coordinator



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