Background:

This E-Learning course developed by UNITAR comes as part of the Global Breastfeeding Education Initiative (BFEI).

UNITAR helps Member States and other United Nations stakeholders implement the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development by providing learning and knowledge services that meet internationally recognized quality standards.

As a practical step towards protecting the survival and health of babies and women, breastfeeding is a central part of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and is linked to many of the Sustainable Development Goals.

Promoting breastfeeding practices such as initiation within one hour of birth and continuing for up to two years of age and beyond is essential for improving child health, preventing malnutrition, and reducing mortalities under 5.

Through this initiative, UNITAR aims to contribute to facilitating breastfeeding by developing and providing a variety of educational tools that will target diverse audiences at policy, organizational, academic and community levels.

Creating and facilitating environments for breastfeeding requires knowledge of the science behind breastfeeding and a critical understanding of social and cultural factors affecting breastfeeding.

Furthermore, the course aims at providing the practical tools for promoting and supporting breastfeeding to a wide audience including women, their partners, community healthcare professionals and employers.

The content of the course stems from our belief that support needs to be provided to women on all levels starting from the smallest nucleus at home all the way up to policy makers.

By enrolling in this course, you will learn about the essentials of breastfeeding, establishing breastfeeding, and maintaining breastfeeding.

The first module, focused on the essentials of breastfeeding is available in 14 different languages:

• English
• French
• Spanish
• German
• Italian
• Portuguese
• Turkish
• Thai
• Russian
• Polish 
• Arabic
• Farsi
• Bahasa Indonesian
• Chinese

The second and third modules on establishing and maintaining breastfeeding in the community are available in English, French and Spanish

Background:

The United Nations Institute for Training and Research (UNITAR) Global Breastfeeding Education Initiative (BFEI) is hosting a Webinar Series on supporting breastfeeding in the community. This 3-part series seeks to provide comprehensive information and support to mothers, healthcare professionals and anyone interested in learning more about breastfeeding practices and benefits. The series will be offered in 5 languages: English, French, Spanish, Portuguese and Romanian.

Throughout the series, we will delve into various aspects of breastfeeding support, exploring different perspectives, and addressing common challenges that Health Care Professionals often encounter when assisting breastfeeding parents. This unique opportunity will allow stakeholders to gain valuable insights into the benefits of breastfeeding and how best to support it.

The series will bring together international experts to discuss practical steps toward protecting the survival and health of babies and women, breastfeeding as a central part of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. As we strive to promote maternal and child health and empower breastfeeding mothers, our webinar series will cover three topics:

1. September 25, 2024, 03:00 PM (GMT+2:00) Zurich: Look & Latch: Responsive feeding and understanding feeding cues
2. October 30, 2024, 03:00 PM (GMT+2:00) Zurich: Beyond Milk: Breastfeeding and Mastitis
3. November 20, 2024, 03:00 PM (GMT+2:00) Zurich: Beyond the Basics: Breastfeeding and Vulnerable Groups

See our next Webinars here 

Access our microlearning courses with the Ed App and benefit from the best of the “Magic Drop: Supporting Mothers along the Journey” course in small, digestible pieces. The Ed App is always accessible on your computer and mobile phone.

Breastfeeding Getting Started, released on April 30, 2024

• Latching Techniques: Providing guidance on how to achieve a proper latch to ensure effective milk transfer and prevent nipple soreness or discomfort.

Coming soon!

Pumping and Storage of Breastmilk, to be released on July 20, 2024

• Milk Storage Guidelines: Providing guidelines on how to safely store expressed breastmilk, including appropriate containers, labelling, and storage duration at different temperatures (room temperature, refrigerator, freezer).

Did you know? To be released on October 30, 2024

• Did you know that breastfeeding has benefits for mothers too? It can help reduce the risk of breast cancer, ovarian cancer and type 2 diabetes.