El Código se aplica en todos los países, con independencia de lo establecido en las políticas nacionales sobre la alimentación de los lactantes cuyas madres están infectadas por el VIH. La aplicación del código es fundamental para que no disminuyan las tasas de lactancia materna.
In addition to the implementation of the International Code of Marketing of Human Milk Substitutes, other complementary actions are needed to promote the optimal feeding of infant and young children. The Breastfeeding Promotion Initiative led by WHO and UNICEF, aims to increase global commitment to breastfeeding. In addition to achieving full implementation of the code through strong legal measures, the initiative's call to action urges governments, donors and partners to do the following:
• Increase funding for breastfeeding promotion initiatives.
Any type of promotion of breastmilk substitutes, bottles and teats should be completely prohibited at health care facilities, as established by the International Code of Marketing of Human Milk Substitutes and subsequent relevant resolutions of the World Health Assembly. In addition, no free or subsidized donations of breast milk substitutes or other products, gifts or samples may be given to health workers at any health system facility.
Regarding the administration of feeding the premature newborns in intensive care areas, the written breastfeeding policy should explicit issues related to the:
The International Code of Marketing of Human Milk Substitutes requires appropriate actions to enforce its principles and objectives, including the adoption of national laws and regulations or other relevant measures. All actions should be made public. Since the code is a minimum requirement, governments can adopt additional measures - potentially more stringent than those set out in the code - and make them legally binding.
Interventions to support responsive caregiving during the postnatal period should focus on promoting positive interactions and strengthening the caregiver/infant relationship.
Health care workers should encourage mothers, fathers, and other caregivers to be aware and responsive, responding to the child's needs, cues, clues, behaviors, and desires.
It is important to encourage caregivers to develop skills in the contexts of play, communication and feeding, such as breastfeeding on demand.
It is important to close the gap in the possibilities that women have to breastfeed their children since breastfeeding can act as a factor of equality in society.
Human milk is the best nutrition for children at a time when the epigenetic foundations for health and development are being established. Everyone has the right to access breast milk.
It is essential that no one is left behind, especially vulnerable mothers who may need additional support to reduce inequalities in the ability to breastfeed.
Mothers who brestfeed need:
- Policies and attitudes that value women and breastfeeding
- A women and breastfeeding-friendly health care system
- Respect for women’s autonomy and her right to breastfeed anytime, anywhere
- Solidarity and community support
This year we want to really recognize breastfeeding mums, ensure they are seen and heard, and share relatable human experiences about breastfeeding and the importance of multi-level support.
World Breastfeeding Week is held in the first week of August every year.
The theme for 2024 is Closing the gap: Breastfeeding support for all.
The campaign will celebrate breastfeeding mothers in all their diversity, throughout their breastfeeding journeys, while showcasing the ways families, societies, communities and health workers can have the back of every breastfeeding mother.
This World Breastfeeding Week, let’s appreciate breastfeeding mums and ensure they get the support they need.
Conveying the right information, for the informed decision of mothers and families, is correct and ethical.
Considerable scientific evidence is available on breastfeeding and human milk feeding as a public health strategy given its myriad benefits for both newborns and breast feeders. However, breastfeeding is often perceived by some health care professionals as simply a lifestyle choice. They fear creating guilt in those who choose not to breastfeed by "pushing" for breastfeeding.