Elisabeth Helsing

t the end of a long and intensive conference it is time for the sceptic to lean back, cast a tired eye at her notes and say "Well, another big meeting. And so what?" I did this on the day before the WABA Forum ended, and this is what I found: 

First, the shared sense of purpose. Even in heated arguments, deep down we knew that we shared the conviction that breastfeeding is one of the basic functions in life, to be respected, protected, facilitated and fulfilled. 

Second, the practicality of the exchanges. Workshops and discussions were about realities, not about abstractions or speculations. 

Third, the usefulness of the Forum. My personal agenda is to hurry home and start preparing for the next century by writing up a strategic plan for breastfeeding for my country. It will be reassuring for my colleagues and the politicians with whom I work to know that these ideas, principles and policies were generated with the World Alliance for Breastfeeding Action. 

Finally, probably because of the very nature of breastfeeding, a deep feeling of love and empathy ran through it all. Anyone who has seen a mother through a breastfeeding crisis, experienced her happiness at succeeding, understands why we were here what we shared and how we felt.