WHO Director-General Margaret Chan said in an interview in Manila yesterday, ''I don't know why young women these days don't breastfeed,'' Chan said in an interview yesterday in Manila. ``We need to try our very best to tell them the difference. Of course breastfeeding is the best food for babies.'' Article
This is an unnecessary guilt trip on mothers.
Did she consider that the following points:
- There have not been scientifically proven benefits of breastfeeding for period under 6 months;
- 'Young women these days' have to juggle work, family and sanity;
- Some mothers do not produce sufficient breast milk and have to rely on formula milk as supplement;
- Consumers trust their government and relevant health authorities in the safety and integrity of the food products sold publicly.
She is fully entitled to her personal view on breastfeeding. But I think it's inappropriate for her to voice her personal views in a public forum, as a representative of WHO. I am not a mother myself, but was appalled by the insensitivity of her remarks as a public figure. In these stressful times, I am sure the mothers of the affected children are traumatised enough. Such insensitive remarks are totally uncalled for.