As someone who has spent the last decade trying to help protect parents
from the aggressive marketing of breastmilk substitutes, this timely
initiative is a welcome reminder of the miracle of childbirth, and the
natural process of nurturing that follows. As part of an integrated
strategy to protect, promote and support breastfeeding, the Breast Crawl
will clearly contribute to a substantial reduction in the 1.3 million
annual child deaths that could be avoided through exclusive
breastfeeding. And apart from that - the video is such a joy to watch!
David Clark
Legal Officer, Nutrition Section
UNICEF, New York
The magnificent power of the baby crawl is beautifully
and systematically illustrated and explained in this presentation. It
shows the power of nature fostering breastfeeding and adding to the
medicinal, nutritional and bonding between mother and child in what can
only be described as magical!
Anwar Fazal
Chairperson Emeritus
World Alliance for Breastfeeding Action (WABA)
This is a most timely and useful publication - combining
an evidence-based review and a practical video of a topic of newly
recognized importance - how a baby takes its first breastfeed. This was
the subject of "World
Breastfeeding Week" in the year 2007.
The material is a much needed tool for trainers in Infant and Young Child
Feeding programmes. None of the existing infant feeding courses cover
the topic with sufficient accuracy and detail. It is also a valuable
advocacy tool and can be used to educate people from policy makers to
communities about "breast crawl" so that mothers can be prepared for
this wonderful experience ahead of time.
Felicity Savage
Honorary Senior Lecturer, Institute of Child Health, London
Director "Breastfeeding Practice and Policy" Course, ICH, London
My passion in life has been to promote healthy and a
happy living. This superb video will help initiate this process right
from the time the baby is born.
R. K. Anand
Head, Dept. of Paediatrics and Neonatology
Jaslok Hospital and Research Centre, Mumbai
BPNI Maharashtra has strived hard to prepare a cadre of
devoted workers who have taken upon themselves the onerous task of
inculcating the art and promoting the virtues of breastfeeding. I
recommend that all health care workers in charge of looking after
pregnant mothers should watch this video on "Breast Crawl" to comprehend
and appreciate nature's method of encouraging maternal and infant
bonding - so vital to the survival of the species.
S. N. Daftary
Prof. Emeritus, Dept. of Obstetrics and Gynaecology
Former Dean - Nowrosji Wadia Maternity Hospital
Past President, Federation of Obstetric and Gynaecological Societies of
India (FOGSI)
Breast crawl is the natural instinctive behaviour of the
human newborn. The mother and the newborn dyad are mutually responsive
in the most sensitive period of half to one hour following delivery.
This period is crucial for laying the foundation for successful
breastfeeding. The benefits accrued from the practice of breastfeeding
are innumerable, the most important being a significant reduction in
mortality, morbidity and malnutrition among the children. This video and
the dossier brought out on the occasion of World Breastfeeding Week
(WBW) 2007 have efficiently demonstrated the Breast Crawl and important
issues related to it.
N. B. Kumta
Former Prof. and Head, Dept. of Paediatrics, Seth G. S. Medical College and
K. E. M. Hospital, Mumbai
Chief Coordinator, BPNI (1991-2004)
Founder Advisor, BPNI Maharashtra
Past President, Indian Academy of Paediatrics (IAP)
This is a marvellous tool to assist in establishing when
and how a new born is first nourished. New life saving habits can be
formed by this simple initial intervention. Nature has provided both the
mother and baby with the sense of smell, vision, taste, sound and
instinct to prepare them for this first breastfeed. Our challenge lies
in putting this information in the hands of the health care providers
and mothers.
Too many of our children die before having a fair chance at life, and many
more live, but are left to lead a life forever handicapped by a
childhood of hunger, illness, and both physical and mental
underdevelopment. This new habit will go a long way towards valuing and
saving these lives.
Nand Wadhwani
Founding Trustee, The Mother and Child Health and Education Trust
Media Coverage
Bonding after birth - Dr. R. K. Anand
DNA - Mumbai, India - Sunday 6 July, 2008
Breastfeeding within an hour of birth is crucial for the child and
reduces risk of postpartum bleeding in mother
This Nandurbar just-born has a message for urban malnutrition
10 September, 2007 - Indian Express
NAFIA - Nordiska Arbetsgruppen för Internationella Amningsfrågor
NAFIA verkar för att skydda, stödja och främja amning. Det sker genom
opinionsbildning och spridande av information om amning i ett globalt
perspektiv, framför allt till andra organisationer. NAFIA samordnar
bojkotten mot Nestlé i Sverige. NAFIA ingår i det internationella
barnmatsnätverket IBFAN – International Baby Food Action Network och i
WABA – World Alliance for Breastfeeding Action NAFIA tar inte emot
pengar från barnmatsindustrin.
