Breastfeeding in first crucial hour is ‘the foundation of life’ – UNICEF expert
Introduction:
Breastfeeding in the first hour after birth “is critical for saving newborn lives” said the UN Children’s Fund, UNICEF, on Tuesday, although 78 million babies each year are still missing out.
Failing to be on the breast in the first hour, puts them at higher risk of death and disease, and makes mothers less likely to persevere with breastfeeding, says UNICEF, together with the World Health Organization (WHO) in a new report to mark the start of World Breastfeeding Week.
UNICEF Nutrition Specialist for infants and young children, Maaike Arts, spoke to Jorge Rodriguez ahead of the publication of the report, which analyses data from 76 countries.
Breastfeeding in the first hour after birth “is critical for saving newborn lives” said the UN Children’s Fund, UNICEF, on Tuesday, although 78 million babies each year are still missing out.
Failing to be on the breast in the first hour, puts them at higher risk of death and disease, and makes mothers less likely to persevere with breastfeeding, says UNICEF, together with the World Health Organization (WHO) in a new report to mark the start of World Breastfeeding Week.
UNICEF Nutrition Specialist for infants and young children, Maaike Arts, spoke to Jorge Rodriguez ahead of the publication of the report, which analyses data from 76 countries.