LA LECHE LEAGUE INTERNATIONAL TO HOLD SIXTH WORLD WALK FOR BREASTFEEDING

SCHAUMBURG, IL (May 31, 1996) - Thousands of breastfeeding families, their supporters, and health care providers around the world will participate in the sixth annual La Leche League International World Walk for Breastfeeding, being held at various locations June 15 to September 15, 1996.

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 La Leche League International goal of increasing the incidence and duration of breastfeeding worldwide. Walkers are expected to raise over $100,000, exceeding last year's figure of $90,000, as well as making communities aware of the importance of breastfeeding for the children of the world.

August 1, 1996 marks the sixth 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 100,000 women in 60 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 for information about activities in your area.