UNITAR
4 December 2024, Geneva, Switzerland – Jointly with the International Training Centre for Authorities and Leaders in York (CIFAL York), UNITAR successfully conclude the learning webinar series “Supporting Breastfeeding in the Community, offering a rich platform for learning, discussion, and collaboration among global breastfeeding advocates and practitioners. This free, online series brought together leading experts to address critical topics such as interpreting feeding cues, managing mastitis, understanding challenges faced by vulnerable populations, and exploring the United Nations' work to advance the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) through breastfeeding promotion.
The series attracted over 2,155 participants from 123 countries, a testament to the global relevance and demand for the topics covered. With a live attendance of 1,638 participants and over 1,500 post-webinar views of the recorded sessions, the initiative reached a signifcant audience across diverse regions and professional backgrounds.
To ensure accessibility and inclusivity, the webinars were conducted in English and featured live simultaneous interpretation in five languages: Spanish, French, Portuguese, Romanian, and Russian. This effort ensured that participants from various linguistic communities could fully engage with the material.
By addressing breastfeeding challenges in vulnerable populations and linking them to the SDGs, the series emphasized the critical role of breastfeeding in advancing global health, reducing inequalities, and fostering sustainable development.
Key Takeaways
Webinar 1: Look & Latch: Responsive Feeding & Feeding Cues (number of registrants: 1311, live attendees: 558, Countries: 96)
- Topics Covered: Feeding cues, responsive feeding, and creating routines.
- Participant Feedback: Positive reception due to practical and research-backed insights, with attendees emphasizing the utility of the information for real-world applications.
- Impact: Enhanced awareness of responsive feeding practices, with requests for educational materials reflecting the high demand for knowledge dissemination tools.
Webinar 2: Beyond Milk: Breastfeeding & Mastitis (number of registrants: 2131, live attendees: 780, Countries: 120)
- Topics Covered: Causes, management, and psychological effects of mastitis, including its impact on milk microbiota.
- Participant Feedback: Appreciated practical tips (e.g., avoiding breast massage) and detailed management strategies.
- Impact: Strengthened understanding of mastitis prevention and treatment, promoting better support for breastfeeding mothers.
Webinar 3: Beyond the Basics: Breastfeeding in Sensitive Groups (number of registrants: 2155, live attendees: 610, Countries: 123)
- Topics Covered: Support for mothers with HIV considering breastfeeding, domestic violence survivors, preterm babies, and postpartum depression.
- Participant Feedback: Deeply emotional and empowering for attendees, offering practical and compassionate strategies for supporting mothers in complex situations.
- Impact: Fostered empathy and equipped participants with tools to address sensitive challenges in maternal care.
The general feedback from attendees was overwhelmingly positive. Participants praised the quality of the research presented, the expertise of the speakers, and the timeliness of the topics discussed. The diverse panel of presenters provided practical insights and innovative solutions to common breastfeeding challenges, making the sessions highly relevant to both seasoned professionals and community-based practitioners.
As this webinar series closed, the recordings remain a valuable resource for continued learning. Recordings can be found in Webinars | UNITAR
Together, we can make breastfeeding support accessible to all and contribute to healthier families and communities worldwide.
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