In France, for several years now, the breastfeeding rate has been slowly but steadily increasing. In order to promote the choice of breastfeeding, the National Nutrition Health Plan (PNNS) was developed in 2001. The PNNS 2006-2010 set two objectives: to raise the breastfeeding rate from 55% to 70% by 2010, and to increase the duration of breastfeeding.
In the Alpes-Maritimes department, according to the statistics from the 8th day health certificate, the first objective of the PNNS was achieved as early as 2007 with a rate of 70.5%. However, one month after birth, the breastfeeding rate drops significantly. This is why the essential work today is to focus efforts on supporting mothers, the theme of this World Breastfeeding Week, to increase the exclusive breastfeeding rate. It is important to know that UNICEF and WHO recommend six months of exclusive breastfeeding and that the median in France is estimated at 10 weeks.
The General Council of the Alpes-Maritimes, through its Actions for Maternity and Childhood service, has been mobilizing for many years, and since 2000, has established a Breastfeeding Management Committee and continuous training for all staff in the PMI centers to carry out a policy of promoting breastfeeding and supporting breastfeeding mothers.
Throughout the year, in the PMI centers of the department, an information campaign is conducted via breastfeeding booklets sent during pregnancy, and meetings around breastfeeding are organized.
All information, activities, and events on World Breastfeeding Week in the Alpes-Maritimes will be online from October 6 at: www.cg06.fr.
