World Breastfeeding Week 2017 Sustaining Breastfeeding –Building Alliances Without Conflicts of Interest Breastfeeding Promotion Network of India (BPNI)

Objectives 1. To galvanize support from all sectors of society (free from conflicts of interest) and governments for protection, promotion and support of breastfeeding. 2. To build alliances without conflicts of interest among concerned partners to strengthen policy and programme on breastfeeding and infant and young child feeding (IYCF). 3. To mobilize action for protection, promotion and support to breastfeeding and appropriate infant and young child feeding practices.

An Opportunity to Contribute to SDGs Breastfeeding can contribute to SDGs for maternal and child health, non-communicable diseases (NCDs), nutrition, education, poverty, inclusive economic growth and reducing inequalities.

What do we mean by Optimal Infant and Young Child Feeding ? Initiation of breastfeeding within an hour of birth Exclusive breastfeeding for the first six months Complementary feeding after six months Continued breastfeeding for 2 years and beyond Global Strategy for IYCF has defined optimal IYCF as….

India’s Status (NFHS 4) 41.6% Babies are able to begin breastfeeding within one hour 55% Babies are able to exclusively breastfeed for the first six months 42.7% Complementary feeding rates (children 6-8 months receiving solid or semi-solid food and breastmilk) 8.7% Breastfed children 6-23 months receive an adequate diet* 78.9% Institutional births *Breastfed children receiving 4 or more food groups and a minimum meal frequency, non-breastfed children fed with a minimum of 3 Infant and Young Child Feeding Practices (fed with other milk or milk products at least twice a day, a minimum meal frequency that is receiving solid or semi-solid food at least twice a day for breastfed infants 6-8 months and at least three times a day for breastfed children 9-23 months, and solid or semi-solid foods from at least four food groups not including the milk or milk products food group)

Breastfeeding is not only a mother's responsibility Support needed from : Governments Healthcare systems Families Communities Employers

Challenges Mothers Encounter Traditional practices Lack of family support Lack of correct knowledge Aggressive marketing of baby foods Peer/family pressure to introduce formula Getting back to work early /no maternity entitlements Breast conditions Maternal illness and medication Special situations e.g LBW Babies, Twins

Sustaining Breastfeeding: Building Alliances Without Conflicts of Interest Breastfeeding Protection, Promotion and Support Robust Policy Framework Friendly Hospital Practices Breastfeeding Mother support, community outreach IYCF in Emergencies Implementation of Maternity Benefit (Amendment)Act 2017 Implementation of IMS Act Alliance with industry or their front organizations for IYCF policy making and programme implementation creates conflicts of interest

Companies sitting in the advisory group of SUN Business Network Example of an Alliance with Conflicts of Interest : Scaling Up Nutrition (SUN) Companies sitting in the advisory group of SUN Business Network

How can you contribute ? Build an alliance locally with individuals and organisations free from conflicts of interest to garner support for breastfeeding action. Participate and mobilise signatures for the petition Available at ( ‘Stanpan Suraksha’ mobile App)/ https://www.change.org/p/shri-narendra-modi-allocate- dedicated-budget-for-breastfeeding-interventions-and-save-infant-lives Supporting mothers at health facilities and community Promote the peer counselling support model (Lalitpur) for increasing breastfeeding rates in your state/district. Organise a seminar to sensitise employers and mothers on the provisions of revised Maternity Benefit (Amendment) Act, 2017 and maternity rights in your area. Promote and use ‘Stanpan Suraksha’ mobile App among alliance partners report inappropriate promotion of baby foods

Thank you! To know more log on to www.bpni.org Download “Stanpan Surakhsha App” on