United Nations Radio

The World Health Organization (WHO) is calling for more support for breastfeeding mothers in times of emergency.

Mother nursing baby

The call comes on the eve of World Breast Feeding Week, which is observed annually from August 1-7. This year's theme is 'Breastfeeding: A Vital Emergency Response.'

WHO's Constanza Vallenas notes many people-including health workers-might believe the stress of emergency situations affects a mother's ability to breastfeed, but this is not necessarily the case. She says proper support and counseling is important.

"One of the things we suggest is that during emergencies there are safe corners so that mothers can breastfeed there, that they can receive one-to-one counseling, that they can have mothers support groups so they can support each other. And also that health workers or field workers should know how to help a mother re-lactate. That is also possible. If a mother has stopped breastfeeding for some time, she can resume breastfeeding if she has the proper motivation and support from a skilled person."

WHO wants to ensure emergency preparedness plans include training health workers to support mothers, and that hospitals are made more "baby-friendly."

Dianne Penn, UN Radio.
(duration: 1'13")