To coincide with the annual World Breastfeeding Week (August 1 to August 7), the Chinese Nutrition Society, the China Children and Teenagers' Fund and the Nestle company jointly held a seminar on breastfeeding followed by a press conference aimed at addressing the importance of breastfeeding on July 30.

Breastfeeding can balance the short-term and long-term health needs of the baby, bringing the child dual-effect protection. Breastfeeding helps babies in terms of brain function, cognitive aspects of development, enhances immune functions and disease resistance; furthermore it can help reduce the incidence of allergic diseases and reduce adult chronic diseases and the risk of complications, such as cardiovascular disease, hypertension, high cholesterol and so on.

China is now facing a growing problem of obesity, and obesity has often been associated with chronic diseases. The latest research shows that breastfeeding can play a preventive role for long-term obesity, because breast milk has just the right amount of protein, which can reduce the risk of long-term obesity and cardiovascular disease.

Nestlé "Ming" Maternal Infant Nutritional Growth study shows that the protein content of breast milk decreases as the child gets older, which is consistent with international scientific research. Breast milk is very "smart" and is the best sustenance for babies.

Secretary-General of the China Children and Teenagers' Fund Chen Xiaoxia praised Nestlé's efforts in scientific research in breastfeeding.

The slogan and theme for World Breastfeeding Week (WBW) 2014 is Breastfeeding: A Winning Goal - For Life! The theme asserts the importance of increasing and sustaining the protection, promotion and support of breastfeeding - in the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) countdown, and beyond.

(Source: cctf.org.cn/Translated and edited by Women of China)