Rosalee Brown

Most babies can and should benefit from the virtues of breast milk. This first food provided by mom is ideally suited for baby and provides complete nutrition for the first six months of life.

The first fluid produced after the birth of the baby, the colostrums, keeps the baby protected while they develop their immunity. Breastfed babies are less likely to suffer diarrhoea, acute respiratory infections and some skin conditions. There are benefits to mom, as it assists her to use up extra energy stored as fat during pregnancy and to quickly regain her original shape, if she does not overeat. The emotional bonding between mom and baby is also great.

Breast milk substitutes

The International Code for Marketing Breast Milk Substitutes came about because there was mounting evidence that infant and young child malnutrition was related to the increased marketing and use of breast milk substitutes and the decline of breastfeeding. At the 34th World Health Assembly in 1981, the resolution, which includes the international code for marketing breast milk substitutes, was adopted.

The code is a set of marketing regulations which aim to protect the infant's health, support breastfeeding and set clear guidelines for companies to market breast milk substitutes for those infants, where it may be recommended. The code offers guidelines for marketing not just formula, but also feeding bottles and teats and other infant-feeding utensils and any other food or drink which may replace or compromise breastfeeding and the follow-on period.

Many countries adopted this international code. Countries such as India and Tanzania have put it into law and so violators can be sanctioned. In Jamaica, the law does not enforce the code but the Jamaican Government became a signatory to the code, adopted the Mother/Baby Friendly Initiative and developed the National Infant Feeding Policy.

Baby-friendly hospitals

The Mother/Baby Friendly Hospital Initiative was launched by UNICEF and PAHO/WHO as a global campaign aimed at fostering national action by preparing the health system and mobilising healthcare workers to protect, promote and support breast feeding.

Manufacturers and distributors of breast milk substitutes in Jamaica are asked to use ethical standards and be good corporate citizens and abide by the guidelines of the code for marketing breast milk substitutes, since there are no laws at this time. Consumers and health workers alike need to be educated about the guidelines of the code and its aim to protect infants.

Summary of the code

No advertising of products relating to artificial infant feeding.

No free samples of such products should be given to mothers.

No promotion of feeds and related products to health care workers.

Health care workers should not accept gifts from companies marketing breast milk substitutes.

Company promoters of breast milk substitutes should not be allowed in health care facilities.

Idealising breast milk substitutes is prohibited.

National Breastfeeding Week will be celebrated in Jamaica from September 17-23 with many activities.

Rosalee M. Brown is a registered dietitian/nutritionist who operates Integrated Nutrition and Health Services; email: yourhealth@gleanerjm.com.