Breastfeeding has shown to have health benefits to the infant and mother. The Global Strategy for the Infant and young child states that “appropriate evidence based feeding practices are essential for attaining and maintaining proper nutrition and health”. The Ministry for Health is on the forefront on promoting the best for health and hence encourages exclusive breastfeeding for the first six months of life in accordance with the recommendations by the World Health Organisation. 

Breastfeeding is well known for its beneficial effects in improving the mother’s and child’s health. These include:

To the mother:

·        Looses the weight gained in pregnancy

·        Reduces the risk of cancer of the breast and ovaries

To the baby:

·        Increases immunity

·        Offers protection against chronic diseases and other conditions

·        Prevents overweight and obesity

Local data shows that 71% of mothers breastfeed on discharge from hospital. This includes exclusive and mixed feeding. Over the past years ??several campaigns were carried out, focusing on enhancing breastfeeding support, targeting the workplaces and the community. This year, collaboration between the Health Promotion and Disease Prevention Directorate, Parentcraft Services, Breastfeeding Walk in Clinic, and the Midwives Association, was aimed at increasing awareness on the importance of breastfeeding, with the theme being: 'Breast is Best’.  The National Breastfeeding Week was held between the 17th and the 23rd November 2013.

This year’s Campaign included:

Publication of a brochure that focuses on Nutrition during Pregnancy.

Various talks on local Radio and TV stations

Distribution of posters to pharmacies.

Posters in bus shelters in various areas around Malta.

Posters on the Gozo ferries

Parent Craft Services, at Mater Dei Hospital, will be offering the following:

·        Antenatal classes targeting parents-to-be

·        Sessions for grandparents

·        Enrichment Seminar for PSD, Home Economics, and Guidance Teachers

·        Seminar for MCAST teachers and students

A seminar for the public held on Saturday 23rd November was opened by the Hon Godfrey Farrugia Minister for Health, who made the emphasis on the importance of wider education and support from all stakeholders to the mother to encourage breastfeeding. This campaign is in line with the Ministry’s focus on prevention.