Breastfeeding,
how...
Rea MF.
Rethinking breastfeeding in Brazil: how we
have reached 10 months of duration. Cad Saúde Pública
2003;19 suppl.1:37-45
In 1975, only one out of two Brazilian women breastfed
until the 2nd or 3rd month; however, in 1999, a survey
indicated that one out of two Brazilian mothers breastfed
for 10 months. This increase over the course of 25
years can be viewed as a success. However, many activities
could be better organized, coordinated and corrected
when errors occur. Various relevant decisions have
been made by international health agencies during
this period, in addition to studies on breastfeeding
that
have reoriented practice. The study reviews the history
of the Brazilian national programme to promote breastfeeding,
focusing on an analysis of the influence of international
policies during four periods: 1975-1981 (when little
was done), 1981-1986 (media campaigns), 1986-1996
(breastfeeding-friendly policies), and 1996-2002
(planning and human resources
training activities backed by policies to protect
breastfeeding). One challenge
for the future is to continue to promote
exclusive breastfeeding for 6 months, taking specific
population groups into account. Another challenge
is to prevent future deaths from both infectious
diseases
and non-communicable diseases by further improving
breastfeeding rates and duration.
Prepared
by the Geneva Infant Feeding Association (GIFA),
a member of the International Baby Food Action Network
(IBFAN)
Editors:
Marina Ferreira Rea, Adriano Cattaneo. Bob Peck revised
and edited the text.
Copies
of Breastfeeding Briefs sent upon request to GIFA, Avenue
de la Paix 11, 1202 Geneva, Switzerland,
Fax: +41-22-798 44 43, or to UNICEF country offices.
Available
also in French, Spanish, Portuguese and Arabic.
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contribution of Sfr. 20.-- for a subscription to industrialized
countries is gratefully accepted and can be sent by
international postal order to account no. 12-17653-5
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