Medals for Breastfeeding Week?
I have recently received this text as part of a WABA memberdiscussion:
quote: Margaret Kyenkya
hello there. At a WBW 2008 planning meeting on Friday, we in Uganda decided to join the marathon but in a creative way that puts emphasis on mother support. Employers and organisations will be asked to pledge their support for breastfeeding mothers by hosting mothers or sponsoring mothers that participate in event (the income will be distributed to Mother Support Groups. of course we shall use the approach to educate organisations about what they can do to support the implementation of the Uganda policy guidelines for Infant and young Child Feeding (June 2008), being launched during the WBW.
Although I honor and support the idea (very much so, in fact) of increasing breastfeeding throughout the world (and third world, especially), the idea of giving medals to increase breastfeeding really seems inappropriate. Here is why:
Firstly, it sends the message: that breastfeeding is only something to get a reward for one minute. It is exclusive breastfeeding that is important, not one-time one-minute breastfeeding. Also, if you were a mother who breastfed, which would you prefer: a useless medal; or food, clean water, or a photograph of your family?
So what do you think? Let us know in the comments below.