Breast-feeding campaign launched

Breast-feeding campaign launched

JAKARTA (JP): Minister for Women's Roles Mien Sugandhi
launched international breast-feeding week yesterday at Dr.
Soetomo Hospital here.

Bearing the theme Breast-feeding: A Community Responsibility
the campaign, lasting through Aug. 7, is aimed at encouraging
mothers to exclusively breast-feed their newborn babies in the
first six-months of their lives. Additional food and beverages --
including cereal, fruit juices and even water -- are not
recommended for babies under six months old.

The campaign -- which is supported by government officials,
the mass media, doctors and health officers, non-governmental
organizations, the private sector, professional organizations and
communities -- will be held in the country's 27 provinces.

According to data from the Ministry of Health, more than 95
percent of newborn babies in Indonesia are breast-fed and more
than 85 percent continue to receive mother's milk until they are
six months old. Despite this fact, 40 percent of Indonesia's
children are still malnourished, the data reveals.

A number of research studies conducted in several European
countries indicated that babies receiving mother's milk during
the first four months will have higher IQ levels and will likely
be more healthy than those who drink formula.

The research also shows that babies who drink formula milk are
prone to cancer, heart disease, allergies and various skin
problems when they grow up. (raw)