Sir, – I am writing in response to Dr Clare Moriarty’s piece “It’s time for a little more realism on breastfeeding” (Opinion & Analysis, December 31st) in which she questions the recent guidance provided by the World Health Organisation (WHO) to protect parents from the influence of the breast-milk substitute industry on infant feeding practices. While acknowledging the challenges, and diverse circumstances, it’s it is crucial to base discussions on this subject on evidence-based facts concerning infant nutrition and the informed choices of parents in promoting the well-being of their families.
For many years now both Unicef and the WHO have recommended exclusive breastfeeding for the first six months of life, because evidence shows it significantly reduces the risks of infectious diseases and provides a strong foundation for long-term health for both mother and child.
Unfortunately, the marketing tactics of the breast milk substitute industry have effectively altered feeding practices away from breastfeeding as a norm. Particularly in Ireland which has one of the lowest rates of breastfeeding in the world, with recent data from Irish Maternity Indicator System showing 63.1 per cent of babies initiated breastfeeding following birth and only 36.8 per cent were exclusively breastfeeding on discharge.
The WHO recently compiled a report to address the unregulated and misleading promotion of breast milk substitutes online. It detailed the scope and impact which digital marketing is having on parents, finding that “. . . most of the infant feeding content that pregnant women and mothers see online appears to be generated for the purpose of promoting breast-milk substitute products or brands”. The new WHO guidelines aim to redress this imbalance through evidence-based policies.
:quality(70)/cloudfront-eu-central-1.images.arcpublishing.com/irishtimes/FOQXPP6YUZEL7L6HGB64D6TFVI.JPG)
:quality(70)/cloudfront-eu-central-1.images.arcpublishing.com/irishtimes/4ZK5N6LO6QLQUOJCXXEDZP5OPY.jpg)
:quality(70)/cloudfront-eu-central-1.images.arcpublishing.com/irishtimes/L6BKVZHC7BDOBBKYAOLBWCXXLI.jpg)
:quality(70)/cloudfront-eu-central-1.images.arcpublishing.com/irishtimes/EMBIXLYEFZGVPCJSLYXUOTR7LQ.jpg)
Encouraging a return to breastfeeding requires a collective effort from government, healthcare, communities, and workplaces; one that empowers mothers and families with unbiased information for informed decision-making. Ultimately, the well-being of both infants and caregivers remains paramount irrespective of their choice to breastfeed.
WHO/Unicef recommendations are designed to foster supportive environments for infant care and not to punish women for their choices. They aim to prioritise children and families over commercial interests. Flexibility within these guidelines can accommodate various circumstances while striving to create the best possible environment for infant care. – Yours, etc,
VIVIENNE PARRY,
Head of Advocacy,
Unicef Ireland,
Dublin 1.