Save the Children launch new campaign for breastfeeding

Save the Children today launched a campaign for breastfeeding with the publication of their report entitled “Superfood for Babies”. The report describes the powerful impact of breast feeding on reducing child mortality rates and argues that breastfeeding should be at the centre of efforts to improve child nutrition around the world. It also highlights the ways in which the actions of breast milk substitute companies are continuing to undermine breastfeeding in poorer countries, and as part of the campaign they have launched a petition calling on Nestlé and Danone to change their marketing practices. 

Commenting on the report, the RCN’s Carmel Bagness (Midwifery and Women’s Health Adviser) and Fiona Smith (Adviser in Children's and Young People's Nursing) said, “The RCN welcomes this extensive report which provides a global perspective on the positive value of encouraging breastfeeding in the fight against malnutrition. In particular the report highlights the use of breastfeeding as a super food in accelerating progress already made globally in reducing child mortality and morbidity. We fully support any strategy that attempts to empower women to have choices that support a better quality of life for themselves and their babies and children. We also recognise and support the need for national and global lobbying of national government bodies and other key authorities that could influence the health and wellbeing of babies, children, women and families to enhance the development of positive and life sustaining family units.”

You can find out more about the campaign on Save the Children’s website:
http://www.savethechildren.org.uk/95-babies

The petition is also available to read on its website:
http://www.savethechildren.org.uk/danone-nestle-petition