Recalling the
International Code of Marketing of Breast Milk Substitutes (World Health Assembly (WHA) 34.22),
Innocenti Declaration on the Protection, Promotion and Support of Breastfeeding as a basis for international health policy and action (WHA 44.33),
Baby Friendly Hospital Initiative (WHA 45.34),
Global Strategy for Infant and Young Child Feeding (WHA55.25),
Maternity Protection Convention (International Labour Organisation (ILO) Convention N° 183 and Recommendation N°191),
Being aware that
Breastfeeding has many long lasting health advantages for mothers and babies,
Human milk is the optimal nutrition in the first 6 months of life,
Facilities providing maternity services and care for newborn babies play a critical role in the establishment of successful breastfeeding,
Women returning to work should have the right and the possibility to continue breastfeeding during working hours,
THE INTERNATIONAL COUNCIL OF WOMEN Urges its affiliated National Councils
1. to contact the national breastfeeding organisations and provide support for networking,
2. to contact the national health authorities and urge them to implement the relevant resolutions of WHO and ILO,
3. to support the appointment of a national breastfeeding commission and a national breastfeeding coordinator,
4. to call upon national health authorities to provide funding for implementing the "Baby Friendly Hospital Initiative" on a national level,
5. to exercise influence on governments to support and guarantee maternity legislation which enables women to paid maternity leave and paid breastfeeding breaks during working hours.
—
Source: International Council of Women (ICW-CIF) — 30th General Assembly, Perth, Western Australia, August 31 – September 5, 2003. Resolution No. 1.
