WEBINAR - Sustainable Motherhood: The Impact of the use of Artificial Infant Milk on the Environment

Sustainable Motherhood: The Impact of the use of Artificial Infant Milk on the Environment

Sustainable Maternity: Traditionally, Breastfeeding consultants have had abundant scientific evidence about the risks of not breastfeeding. Both risks for the baby and the mother, in the short and long term. As important as these are, we seem not to be able to attract a society that feeds on breast milk substitutes and believes that this causes no harm. The main objective of my presentation is to give the lactation consultant another area of evidence related to the current and vital issue of caring for the environment. During my presentation we will walk through the different areas of concern, beginning with the effects on land, erosion, deforestation, lowered productivity and biodiversity. Additionally, we will explore the huge water footprint in the manufacture of dry milk and water pollution. We will then touch on antibiotic use in cattle and the secondary effects on humans. More environmental impact topics will include air pollution, greenhouse gas emissions, packaging, use of plastics, transportation, as well as the waste derived from the extra menstrual periods and lack of birth control. Breast milk is a valuable renewable natural resource, and is the most ecological existing food source. It is produced and delivered to the consumer in the same place, without using other resources, does not cause contamination and helps to ensure the nutrition of the weakest and poorest, when food security has become a concern.

Credit: 1.00 L CERP and 1.00 Contact Hours

Source: ILCA Webinar 20 May 2021

Presented by: Martha Alicia Ferraez de Lee MSP, IBCLC

Upon completion, the learner will be able to: 

1) State the relationship that exists between not breastfeeding, the making of artificial infant milk and the impact on the environment

2)  Identify 3 of the main effects that the making of breastmilk substitutes have on the environment

3) Distinguish changes in personal lifestyle to protect the environment but also in the way to teach mothers and families to help them measure the risks of not breastfeeding on the baby, the mother, the family, and the environment

Learning Level: Intermediate

Expiration Date: 19 July 2024

Disclosures: ILCA accepts no commercial support for continuing education activities. The activity planners have no conflicts of interest to declare. The presenter has no significant financial interest or other relationship with the manufacturer(s) of any product(s) or provider(s) of any services relating to the subject matter of this presentation unless otherwise stated below.

CERPs: ILCA is an approved provider of Continuing Education Recognition Points (CERPs) with the International Board of Lactation Consultant Examiners (IBLCE). (CLT-108-7).

ANCC: ILCA is accredited as a provider of nursing continuing professional development by the American Nurses Credentialing Center’s Commission on Accreditation. Approval Number ILCA-P0286. Accepted for BRN credit by the Board of Registered Nursing.

ILCA education is provided as a service to our members for continuing education, knowledge, and awareness. We believe in fostering an inclusive environment that supports diversity and removes barriers. The views and opinions expressed in this education, including the choice of vocabulary, expressions, and use of supporting evidence-based research belong to the presenter. ILCA is steadfast in our commitment to present, learn, and discuss any information in a safe, respectful, and supportive environment.