Encouraging Breastfeeding: One Thing the IRI Does Right

Balatarin
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DM
by DM
22-Nov-2009
 

I’m no fan of the Islamic Republic. But breastfeeding is one thing they do right.

Breastfeeding is healthy for kids and healthy for moms: kids typically experience fewer incidences of stomach viruses, ear infections, respiratory infections, and even things like childhood leukemia; moms experience fewer incidences of type 2 diabetes, certain breast cancers, and post partum depression. As a result, the American Academy of Pediatrics recommends “exclusive breastfeeding for approximately the first six months and support for breastfeeding for the first year and beyond as long as mutually desired by mother and child.”

In the US, however, the Center for Disease Control reports that while 74% of babies are breastfed at least once, by 3 months of age only 33% are being exclusively breastfed and by 12 months only 23% are being breastfed at all.

In Iran the numbers are markedly different: 98% of babies are breastfed at least once, 67% are still exclusively being breastfed at 3 months, and a whopping 90% of all babies are being breastfed at least some at 12 months. (Figures from La Leche League International 2003 and the International Breastfeeding Journal.)

These numbers in Iran can’t just be chalked up to necessity driving up the rates—i.e., that formula isn’t widely available. The IRI has adopted the World Health Organization's International Code of Marketing of Breastmilk Substitutes, provides all women with a breastfeeding handbook during post-partum recovery, and most importantly, has trained thousands of health professionals to promote breastfeeding and offer counsel.

No doubt the ayat in the Qu’ran (from The Cow) which in part reads, “The mothers shall give suck to their children for two whole years…” has something to do with why the IRI supports breastfeeding as much as they do, but regardless of the reason, breastfeeding rates have increased dramatically in Iran over the past 30 years. And that’s a good thing.

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capt_ayhab

Mr. DM

by capt_ayhab on Mon Nov 23, 2009 10:49 AM PST

Much obliged for response.

To begin with, I have no argument that if and when a governmental health agency promotes certain healthy behavior, the education proves to be beneficial. 

Benefits of breastfeeding is scientifically proven beyond shadow of doubt. Health officials and  pediatric physicians always stress the both emotional and physical health benefits of breastfeeding for both mother and the child. Iran being no exception.

Point I am trying to make, regardless of the educational efforts of the health officials, IF mother chooses NOT to that then no one can force her do so. And this brings us the nurturing and loving nature of women themselves.

Regards

-YT 


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DM

Thanks for weighing in

by DM on Mon Nov 23, 2009 09:58 AM PST

Thanks for weighing in Capt_Ayhab. You wrote: What does breast feeding have to do with IR?

It has to do with the IR because they actively promote it, in a variety of ways--no doubt because it has religious significance (I'm referring to the ayat in the Qu'ran I pointed out), but regardles of the reason, it's a good thing to point to in what is otherwise a bleak picture. 

I would agree that ultimate credit, of course, has to go to the nurturing and loving Iranian mothers. But government policy can play a role in providing useful information about the benefits of breastfeeding, and how to deal with problems that might arise when one is doing it, and this in turn can lead to higher breastfeeding rates--which is exactly what has happened in Iran.

Having two relatively young kids of my own, this is a topic of some interest to me.

Best,

DM


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default

Captain - Hear, hear!

by Omid B on Mon Nov 23, 2009 09:46 AM PST

I agree Mr. Ayhab!

Yours,

Omid


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capt_ayhab

?

by capt_ayhab on Mon Nov 23, 2009 09:44 AM PST

What does breast feeding have to do with IR?

Lets give the credit where its due, and that is  loving and nurturing nature of Iranian mothers and Iranian women in general.

 

-YT 


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DM

The IRI doesn't have a

by DM on Mon Nov 23, 2009 09:45 AM PST

The IRI doesn't have a breastfeed-or-else policy, but they do actively promote it via some of the means I mention in the original post. And breastfeeding rates have increased a lot in Iran after these programs have gone into effect. So while there's obviously a lot that's not black-or-white here, I think it's fair to say that it's not just Iranian culture that has produced such high breastfeeding rates. Government policy has played a large role as well.

Best,

DM


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Bavafa

The title of your blog says

by Bavafa on Mon Nov 23, 2009 08:33 AM PST

The title of your blog says "One Thing the IRI Does Right"

Is it the official IRI policy to breastfeed or else? In that case, there are other things that "IRI" does better,

Iranians generally consume more fruit, eat a healthier portion for lunch instead of dinner.

I guess my point is that we might want to distinguish IRI from Iranians.

Regards 

Mehrdad


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default

Excellent News

by Omid B on Sun Nov 22, 2009 11:00 PM PST

Thanks DM. That's great to know. In the face poor health trends in the USA, I'm glad to know that they have a thing or two figured out back home.

Yours,

Omid


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yolanda

......

by yolanda on Sun Nov 22, 2009 05:37 PM PST

 Hi DM,

      Thank you for your interesting blog and post. I read and heard 60% of college kids in Iran are girls, there are a lot of girls in medical schools in Iran, too....but apparently these smart women did not (will not) end up in the labor force after they finish their college education....they become full-time house-wives or stay single.....I am not looking down upon house-wives, I feel that women should be given the opportunity to work and make a differenc in the society...husband and wife just need to coordinate....husband and wife can support each other....guys can get more involved in domestic affair except breast-feeding, of course! :O))) Thank you!

Delaram Banafsheh (Yolanda)

"Cactus in the Desert"


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DM

Thanks for your comment,

by DM on Sun Nov 22, 2009 02:10 PM PST

Thanks for your comment, Yolanda.

Men and women don't have the same opportunities to be hired in Iran, and that could certainly have and effect on the breastfeeding rate.

Some statistics: In 2006, women comprised about 15.5 percent of the total labor force in Iran. In the US as of 2008, women comprise 46.5 percent of the labor force. Having said that, the percentage of women in Iran's labor force is slightly greater now than it was thirty years ago (it dipped for a while after the revolution though), and breastfeeding rates have been increasing.


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yolanda

........

by yolanda on Sun Nov 22, 2009 02:05 PM PST

 You said that breastfeeding rate is higher in Iran than in US. I wonder if it is easy for women to get jobs in Iran. Do guys and girls have the equal opportunity to get employed? Is that a factor in breastfeeding disparity between the 2 countries? I read somewhere that after the revolution, Shirin Ebadi got demoted from a judge to a lawyer and Googoosh can't sing before guys or can't be a lead singer anymore.....IRI feels that married women should stay home... of course, if married women stay home, there be a higher probability for breastfeeding to become a reality...

thanks for your blog!

Delaram Banafsheh (Yolanda)

"Cactus in the Desert"


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