This week is World Breastfeeding Week 2016 (1-7 August) and the Public Health Agency (PHA) is encouraging everyone to show support for mums who breastfeed in public.
The theme for the week, which is coordinated by the World Alliance for Breastfeeding Action, is “A Key to Sustainable Development” – highlighting how breastfeeding is a key element in getting us to think about valuing wellbeing from the very start of life, respecting each other, caring for the world we share and making best use of our resources.
Janet Calvert, Regional Breastfeeding Lead for the PHA, said: “From the moment a mother starts to breastfeed, both baby and mum will begin to feel the benefits to their health and wellbeing.”
“Research shows that breastfed babies statistically tend to be healthier than bottle-fed babies and have a generally lower risk of ear, chest, stomach, kidney and urinary infections. They also have a lower risk overall of allergies, type 2 diabetes, obesity, childhood cancers and sudden infant death (cot death).”
“Mums who breastfeed are at a statistically lower risk of developing breast and ovarian cancers and osteoporosis.”
To help show community support for breastfeeding mums, the PHA created the Breastfeeding Welcome Here scheme. Over 400 businesses, council facilities and popular tourist attractions have signed up to the initiative to show their support for breastfeeding mums.
More information can be found on the Public Health Agency’s website or on www.breastfeeding.ie
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