Breastfeeding, Known Scientific, Medical Benefits; UN Resolution, US Votes No [View all]
- "Why Would The US Fight A Breastfeeding Resolution?" NBC News, July 10, 2018.
The benefits of breastfeeding over formula are clear and are not controversial, so advocates expressed surprise and dismay Monday over a report that the U.S. sought to suppress a World Health Assembly resolution supporting it.
The New York Times reported on Sunday that U.S. delegates to this year's gathering of the assembly, the decision-making body of the World Health Organization, fought to weaken a resolution declaring that a mother's breast milk is the best food for infants and discouraging misleading advertising for formula.
"We are stunned by reports of U.S. opposition to a resolution at the World Health Assembly this spring aimed at promoting breastfeeding," said Dr. Georges Benjamin, executive director of the American Public Health Association.
"The scientific evidence overwhelmingly supports breastfeeding and its many health benefits for both child and mother."
It's not controversial to promote breastfeeding, the American Academy of Pediatrics says. The benefits are clear.
"The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends breastfeeding as the sole source of nutrition for your baby for about six months and can be continued for as long as both mother and baby desire it," the group, which represents pediatricians, says on its website.
The group said there was "unequivocal evidence" that breast milk protects against infant diseases and conditions including bacteria in the blood, diarrhea, respiratory tract infection, necrotizing enterocolitis, ear and urinary tract infections, some types of cancer, and childhood obesity.
Breastfeeding benefits mothers, as well. "Mothers who breastfeed recover from childbirth more quickly and easily. The hormone oxytocin, released during breastfeeding, acts to return the uterus to its regular size more quickly and can reduce postpartum bleeding," the group says...
More, http://www.msn.com/en-us/news/us/why-would-the-us-fight-a-breastfeeding-resolution/ar-AAzOAuv?ocid=HPCOMMDHP15
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