Home Position Statement Distribution and Use of Breast Milk Substitutes


 


 
 
 
 

International 
Council of Nurses
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 Distribution and Use of Breast Milk Substitutes

 

 

ICN Position:

 

Given that in nearly all circumstances breast milk is the food of choice for infants, and the breast-fed infant has a significantly increased chance of survival and a decreased incidence of morbidity, ICN confirms its strong support for the International Code of Marketing of Breast Milk Substitutes [1] and the Innocenti Declaration. [2] It equally condemns the donation of free or subsidised supplies of breast milk substitutes and other products covered by the International Code of Marketing of Breast Milk Substitutes in any part of the healthcare system. ICN also supports efforts for the adoption of the Baby Friendly Hospital Initiative (BFHI).[3]

 

 

Background

 

Inappropriate feeding practices are a major contributor to poor nutritional status in infants and young children. Up to 55% of infant deaths from diarrhoeal disease and acute respiratory infections may be the result of inappropriate feeding practices.[4]  Less than 35% of infants worldwide are exclusively breastfed for even the first four months of life. And complementary feeding practices are frequently ill timed, inappropriate and unsafe.[5] The vast majority of mothers can and should breastfeed, just as the vast majority of infants can and should be breastfed. 

When replacement feeding is acceptable, feasible, affordable, sustainable and safe, HIV positive women should avoid all breastfeeding. However when that is not possible, exclusive breastfeeding is recommended during the first months of life.[6]

 

Nurses and national nurses associations have a responsibility to promote actively the provisions of the International Code of the Marketing of Breast Milk Substitutes. In countries where governments have not adopted official measures to end free and low cost supplies of breast milk substitutes to healthcare facilities, nurses and national nurses associations need to work with interested parties to have the necessary legislative and policy measures implemented. Where policies to prevent the distribution of free or low-cost breast milk substitutes exist, nurses need to collaborate with the appropriate authorities in implementation, enforcement and monitoring activities in this area.

 

Adopted in 1995

Revised in 2004

 

 

 

Related ICN Positions:

  • Breastfeeding

  • Women’s Health

  • Rights of Children

 


 

[1] WHO  International Code of Marketing of Breast Milk Substitutes. Geneva, World Health Assembly, Resolution 34.22, 1981.

[2]  WHO/UNICEF Innocenti Declaration on the Protection, Promotion and Support of Breast Feeding. Florence, 1990.

[3] United Nations Children’s Fund, The Baby-Friendly Hospital Initiative, Accessed at http://www.unicef.org/programme/breastfeeding/baby.htm in August 2004.

[4] World Health Organization, Resolution WHA55.25 Infant and Young Child Nutrition, Geneva, Author, 2002.

[5] World Health Organization, Global Strategy for Infant and Young Child Feeding, Geneva, Author, 2003.

[6] World Health Organization, Implementing the Strategy for Infant and Young child Feeding: Meeting Report, Geneva, Author, 2003.

 

 

The International Council of Nurses is a federation of more than 129 national nurses' associations representing the millions of nurses worldwide.  Operated by nurses for nurses, ICN is the international voice of nursing and works to ensure quality care for all and sound health policies globally.