Breastfeeding a Top Priority in Addressing Infant Growth and Nutrition, According to Academy of Breastfeeding Medicine and UNICEF
The Academy of Breastfeeding Medicine (www.bfmed.org) strongly endorses the recent recommendation from UNICEF to promote breastfeeding as the exclusive source of nutrition for the first six months of life.
"Worldwide, nutrition could be improved at minimal cost by supporting early and exclusive breastfeeding, with age-appropriate complementary foods and feeding practices," said Miriam Labbok, MD, MPH, Director of The Center for Infant and Young Child Feeding and Care at UNC at Chapel Hill, an ABM founder, and a contributor to the report. "This Report offers evidence that we can make remarkable progress when sufficient resources and skilled support are available."
In response to the recommendation, ABM brings attention to the need for education of physicians and other health professionals in both the public and private sectors worldwide in optimal feeding of the infant and young child and associated support for mothers and families.
"ABM supports and encourages training of physicians and health teams through conferences, continuing education, development of clinical and public health protocols, and other training opportunities," says Joan Y. Meek, MD, President of ABM, and Academic Chairman of Pediatrics, Arnold Palmer Medical Center/Orlando Regional Healthcare. "We join with UNICEF in recognizing that past progress must be maintained, and offer our support to help ensure that physicians and other health workers have the education and skills to be leaders and partners in accelerating progress towards optimal feeding and health for all."
The Academy of Breastfeeding Medicine is a worldwide organization of physicians dedicated to the promotion, protection, and support of breastfeeding and human lactation through education, research, and advocacy. Breastfeeding Medicine, appearing in print and online, is published by Mary Ann Liebert, Inc., (www.liebertpub.com).
