16. Integrated Early Child Development

I. Integrated Early Childhood Development (I/ECD): The New UNICEF
    Medium Term Strategy and the Central Role of Breastfeeding

The new UNICEF strategy has many homes for breastfeeding; however, it may not be obvious to the casual observer. What exactly is I/ECD?  How does it work in programmes? This workshop will provide an orientation to the potential place of breastfeeding in I/ECD, with an emphasis on the possible central role of breastfeeding in its implementation. Together, we will explore: How can a breastfeeding NGO advocate for action under this new strategy? Where is the interface between the WHO Infant and Young Child Feeding Strategy and the UNICEF Medium Term Priorities (MTSP)? The UNICEF MTSP has four other priorities: HIV/AIDS, girls education, child protection, and immunization plus.  How can we integrate breastfeeding goals and messages into these sectors? Are there psychosocial consequences of replacement feeding and abrupt weaning?  Discussion will cover how participants might help inform UNICEF programme decisions. We will also explore approaches to bringing other sectors into the breastfeeding "camp". While scientific data and experience have shown us that breastfeeding is the "gold standard", how can we convince others in other disciplines of its value?

• Breastfeeding as the heart of Integrated Early Childhood Development - Dr. Miriam Labbok, MD, MMS, MPH, IBCLC, UNICEF New York

15. Information, Education, Communication/ IT

I. How to Develop Effective Health Communication Materials - David
    Curtis, Healthlink Worldwide UK, and Dr. Rob Vincent, Exchange               
    Programme, UK, Facilitators

This session was an active participatory workshop that drew on participants' experience in developing resources. It did not follow the format of a traditional presentation. The session looked at the particular problems and challenges faced in the process of developing resources and offered an introduction to the QUEST methodology - a hands-on approach to material development. The group shared ideas and experience and together built an outline of the common challenges experienced in producing resources.

II. People's Media and Breastfeeding Arts - Dr. Rob Vincent, Exchange      
     Programme, UK, Facilitator  

A workshop combining the skills of mobilising popular media such as pop singers (eg. Madagascar) and local songs and lullabies in breastfeeding promotion, and a slide presentation on "Breastfeeding in the Arts" featuring artists of all centuries from the Egyptians to portraits of Holy Mary. Participants were invited to share other examples of how they have successfully utilised alternative media strategies (eg. theatre, songs) and breastfeeding art in their advocacy work.

• A pop-singer as a breastfeeding ambassador: an innovative approach in Madagascar - Dr. Agnes B. Guyon, LINKAGES-AED, Ethiopia

• Nurture baby's natural process of learning through lullabies while breastfeeding  - Amara Peeris, Sarvodaya Women's Movement,  Sri Lanka

• Breastfeeding in the arts - Anne-Marie Kern, IBCLC Austria

III. Using Information Technology in Breastfeeding Promotion - Dr. Rob Vincent, Exchange Programme, UK, Facilitator

This workshop helped participants feel more comfortable working with information technology as part of their day-to-day networking on breastfeeding promotion and advocacy. It also looked at a more creative use of websites and other e-communications to enhance networking nationally and across the globe and provided information on how to set up information resources (such as e-groups and websites) for countries without. 

IV. Props-Making and Acting, the Pantomime Mums - Ines Fernandez,
       ARUGAAN, Philippines, Facilitator

Learn the art of advocacy through a new means of expression and practice your performance skills. This workshop will provide a lesson about how to use props, make-up, music and motion to communicate invaluable messages.