A
student-led effort
acrossto facilitate multidisciplinary dialogue, awareness,
and action on international development.
An International, Multidisciplinary Look at Breastfeeding
The November Development Dialogue brought together two experts on breastfeeding and many others interested in furthering their knowledge of the topic. Ann Paxton is an epidemiologist with personal experience of the barriers to breastfeeding and international field experience in Africa. Sally Ann Lederman is a professor and scholar on nutrition and women's health, with Participators included women with personal experience breastfeeding, students with field experience based on HIV/AIDS transmission and breastfeeding in Africa and Haiti, a practicing doula, a representative from Columbia University's work benefits program, and students from around Columbia University (including, at least, students from GSAS, Nutrition, Public Health, Teacher's College, and Social Work.)
The discussion followed both international and domestic issues related to breastfeeding, along with focusing on the tremendous long-term benefits of breastfeeding for both mothers and children. The group discussed the stigma associated with breastfeeding in the states, and
the pressure put on women both systematically and informally (through separation of mother and child and common medical advice, advertising of formula, comments by friends/family, etc.). While breastfeeding is much more common in the developing world, trends in the US influence ideas about breastfeeding elsewhere and the group expressed concern that other countries would follow the US trend with more disastrous consequences to health and well being. They also discussed the element of HIV/AIDS transmission through breastfeeding and the consequential stigma attached to not breastfeeding in areas with high populations living with HIV/AIDS. Other topics covered included the problematic use of traditional teas instead of colostrums in many areas of the developing world, the benefits of breastfeeding in populations that are extremely malnutrition, and the multiple factors related to women's "problems with breastfeeding" in the US, including body image and poor advice from medical staff.
Past Dialogues
Nov. 19, 2008 An International, Multidisciplinary Look at Breastfeeding
Sept. 24, 2008: Street Children
Feb. 7, 2007: International Human Trafficking
Nov. 26, 2006: Trade
Nov. 8, 2006: Elections
Sept. 27, 2006: Energy
Apr. 19, 2006: Climate Change
Mar. 7, 2006: Non-Formal Education
Feb. 21, 2006: Immigration
Jan. 23, 2006: Media
Nov. 30, 2005: World Aids Day
Nov. 21, 2005: Hydropower
Oct. 10, 2005: Hurricane Katrina
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