Bringing sanctuary to motherhood

At Mamagrove, we are committed to promoting and supporting breastfeeding as the healthiest and most natural option for feeding infants. To align with our values and uphold the highest standards of infant nutrition, we adhere to the World Health Organization's International Code of Marketing of Breastmilk Substitutes (often referred to as the WHO Code).

The WHO Code, established in 1981, is a set of recommendations designed to regulate the marketing of breastmilk substitutes, including formula, feeding bottles, and teats. The aim is to ensure that breastfeeding remains the priority in infant nutrition and that parents make informed decisions without undue influence from marketing practices.

1. Promotion of Breastfeeding: The Code emphasises that breastfeeding should be protected, promoted, and supported as the optimal way to feed infants. Breastmilk provides all the necessary nutrients for a baby’s growth and development and offers health benefits for both infants and mothers.
2. Regulation of Marketing Practices: The Code restricts advertising and promotional activities for breastmilk substitutes to ensure they do not undermine breastfeeding. This includes prohibiting free samples and gifts to parents or healthcare professionals.
3. Information and Education: The Code mandates that any information provided about infant feeding must be clear, accurate, and support breastfeeding. This includes ensuring that educational materials are not biased towards formula feeding and that product labels provide necessary warnings about the superiority of breastfeeding.
4. Healthcare System Compliance: Healthcare facilities and professionals should not promote breastmilk substitutes or accept incentives from companies producing these products. This ensures that health advice remains impartial and supportive of breastfeeding.
5. Responsible Manufacturing: Companies that produce breastmilk substitutes must adhere to strict guidelines for product labelling and quality to avoid misleading claims and ensure the safety and appropriateness of their products for infants who cannot be breastfed.

At Mamagrove, we stand by these principles and integrate them into our practice:

• Support and Education: We provide comprehensive support and education to help mothers succeed in breastfeeding. Our resources and guidance are designed to empower you with accurate, unbiased information about breastfeeding and infant nutrition.
• Ethical Practices: We do not engage in the promotion of breastmilk substitutes. When discussing infant feeding options, our priority is to support breastfeeding while respecting informed parental choice.
• Transparency: We are transparent about our practices and relationships with product manufacturers, ensuring that any information or recommendations we provide are in the best interest of you and your baby.

While breastfeeding is the preferred method of feeding, we acknowledge that there are circumstances where breastmilk substitutes may be necessary. In such cases, our approach is to provide support and information that respects your choice and ensures your baby receives the best possible nutrition.

We encourage all parents to seek guidance from healthcare professionals when considering feeding options and to make decisions based on the well-being of their child.

For more detailed information on the WHO Code and its implications, you can visit the WHO's official page on the Code.

If you have any questions or need further support regarding breastfeeding or infant nutrition, please feel free to contact us. We are here to help you every step of the way.

Marloes
IBCLC Lactation Consultant at Mamagrove

By understanding and adhering to the WHO Code, Mamagrove ensures that we prioritise the health and well-being of infants and support families in making informed choices about their baby’s nutrition.