Media Release: LA LECHE LEAGUE INTERNATIONAL TO HOLD NINTH ANNUAL WORLD WALK FOR BREASTFEEDING

SCHAUMBURG, IL (May 31, 1999)

Thousands of breastfeeding families, their supporters, and health care professionals around the world will participate in the ninth annual La Leche League International (LLLI) World Walk for Breastfeeding, being held at locations globally June 15 to October 15, 1999. Most World Walks will be held in conjunction with World Breastfeeding Week, August 1-7, which was proclaimed by the World Alliance for Breastfeeding Action (WABA) in conjunction with the World Health Organization and UNICEF. Walkers will be promoting the LLLI goal of increasing the incidence and duration of breastfeeding worldwide. In addition to making communities aware of the importance of breastfeeding for the children of the world, walkers are expected to raise more than $130,000. This money will help LLLI to fulfill its mission of giving mother-to-mother support, education, and encouragement to all women who want to breastfeed their babies.

August 1, 1999 marks the ninth anniversary of the signing of the Innocenti Declaration on the Protection, Promotion and Support of Breastfeeding, which was developed and adopted by 32 governments and 10 United Nations agencies.

La Leche League International is a nonprofit organization that offers breastfeeding education and encouragement through mother-to-mother support groups, telephone counseling and extensive interaction with physicians and health care providers. More than 200,000 women in 66 countries are assisted by La Leche League programs every month.

Those interested in participating in the World Walk for Breastfeeding or in sponsoring a walker may contact the La Leche League International office at (847) 519-7730 or visit the LLLI Web Site at www.lalecheleague.org for information about activities in your area.

Page last edited Sun Oct 14 09:32:32 UTC 2007.