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Welcome to Spotlight. I'm Liz Waid.
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And I'm Adam Navis. Spotlight uses a special English method of broadcasting. It is easier for people to understand, no matter where in the world they live.
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In December of 2004 the surface of the earth moved. This movement produced a powerful earthquake under the Indian Ocean. The damage resulting from the tsunami that followed was tragic. It affected many countries. But the most affected countries were Indonesia, India, Thailand, and Sri Lanka. Some estimates say that over two hundred and ten thousand [210,000] people died in these four countries. Aid agencies reported that almost one third of the total dead were children.
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During this emergency situation, many people required help. They had a difficult time finding food, water, or other needed supplies. Aid agencies acted to provide people with the things they needed. But there was one kind of aid that people did not often notice.
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That is, breastfeeding. A mother feeds her baby with her own milk - she is breastfeeding. In today's Spotlight we look at the special case for breastfeeding in times of emergency. From August 1 to 7 every year, people everywhere observe World Breastfeeding Week. The theme for World Breastfeeding Week 2009 is "Breastfeeding: A Vital Emergency Response. Are You Ready?" The main idea of the week is this: People need training and support before an emergency so that they can continue or begin to breastfeed during an emergency. It is a way to save lives. People from more than one hundred twenty [120] countries will take part in Breastfeeding Week.
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Emergencies can take many forms. They can be natural disasters like hurricanes, earthquakes, or wild fires. But emergencies can also be man-made. These are events like war, terrorism or crime.
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Emergency events like these can leave people feeling lost and confused. They destroy "normal" life. New parents often already feel as if they do not enough about caring for their new baby. But taking care of a baby during an emergency may make them feel even more confused. They may ask "What do I do to take care of this baby in these terrible conditions?" The answer to this question is especially important. That is because emergencies often leave babies and children in the greatest danger from disease and death.
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Experts say that children are at the most risk during emergencies. But some of the children's problems can be prevented or treated. These include diarrhea, breathing problems, and not getting enough to eat. Breastfeeding experts say that breastfeeding is a life-saving act. That is because breastfeeding avoids the problems that milk powder presents.
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During an emergency, aid workers often give milk powder to people in need. Mixed with water, this dry milk powder makes a food for babies. There are some cases where milk powder is needed. But these cases are rare. An in fact, some experts say that giving milk powder can be dangerous in emergency situations!
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During emergency situations, supplies are often low. Or supply lines can be broken. Mothers may not be able to depend on a usual supply of the powder to arrive. And even if the powder does come, it needs clean water to mix with. Mixed milk powder also needs clean containers, like bottles and rubber nipples for the baby to drink from. Mothers need a way to wash this baby feeding equipment. But in emergency situations, clean water can be limited. And dirty water can carry dangerous organisms. Babies' bodies are often not strong enough to fight these dangerous organisms.
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The World Alliance for Breastfeeding Action studied one emergency in Botswana in southern Africa. In 2005-6 Botswana experienced a lot of flooding. Over five hundred [500] babies died. Almost all of these babies were fed milk powder. In fact, babies who were not breastfed were fifty [50] times more likely to need help from a hospital than babies who were breastfed.
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Breastfeeding is the most natural way to feed a baby. Even in good times, the World Health Organization encourages mothers to feed their babies only breast milk until they are six months old. It encourages mothers to continue breastfeeding up to two years old, or more. Breastfeeding is also the best way to feed a baby in an emergency. When a mother is breastfeeding, she does not need a supply of milk powder. She does not need clean water or clean supplies for her baby. Instead a breastfeeding mother needs support, encouragement, and a quiet place to feed her baby.
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Breastfeeding has many good results in an emergency. It can help a family to feel normal. The act of breastfeeding brings a mother and baby closer. It brings comfort and a sense of being normal. Also, a mother's body makes the perfect milk for her baby. It contains the vitamins, fats, and other substances the baby needs at the time to be healthy. Breastfeeding provides food for the baby. But it also provides support for the baby's weak immune system. This is the system in each person's body that keeps her healthy.
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Some people believe that stressful situations like emergencies can make a mother's milk dry up, or go away. So, in an emergency, many breastfeeding mothers may actually stop breastfeeding! They may think the only chance their baby has for food is to use milk powder. But, many health groups say this is not true!
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The World Health Organization and other groups have released a statement about breastfeeding in emergencies. They admit that a mother's milk supply can go low immediately after an emergency. However, this is only temporary. It does not last forever. If mothers and babies remain together and receive support, they can continue to breastfeed. Even mothers who do not have much food for themselves to eat, can continue to breastfeed their babies. And with correct training, mothers who have stopped breastfeeding can begin to breastfeed again!
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During World Breastfeeding Week health experts around the world will be working to protect, encourage, and support breastfeeding in emergencies. They aim to improve the survival, health, and development of babies and young children. World Breastfeeding Week this year asks an important question: Are You Ready? Emergencies can happen anywhere. They happen in rich countries and poor countries. They happen to every kind of people - young and old.
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Breastfeeding can save lives. But mothers need to know this. People must be prepared before an emergency. And they must be supported during an emergency. This week, give your support to an organization that encourages mothers to breastfeed. You may be saving a life!
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