I recently stumbled upon The Golden Bow as UNICEF's symbol for the protection, promotion and support of breastfeeding. I definitely went searching for a ribbon as opposed to a bow when my fiancee first suggested I find something to symbolize my passion for promoting breastfeeding. Instead I found a bow and there is actually a specific reason for the choice of using a bow. UNICEF has given a special message to each part of the bow and every part is crucial to it's make up. So what exactly is the reasoning behind The Golden Bow?
Gold:
Gold being used to show that breastfeeding is the "gold" standard for infant feeding and that all other forms of infant feeding should be judged against breastfeeding instead of the opposite which has sadly become the social norm where more parents are preparing to buy and stock up on infant formula in preparation for the birth of their children instead of educating and preparing themselves for breastfeeding.
The Bow:
One loop represents the Mother.
The other loop represents the Child.
The ribbon itself is symmetrical representing that both Mother and Child are crucial to the successful breastfeeding relationship.
The knot represents the Father, the Family and Society. Without the knot there can be no bow, without support breastfeeding cannot be successful.
UNICEF states that the ribbons are the future: the exclusive breastfeeding for six months, and continued breastfeeding for 2 years or more with appropriate complementary feeding, and the delay of the next birth, preferably for 3 years or more, to give the mother and child time together to recover and to grow, respectively, and to five the mother the time she needs to provide active care for the health, growth and development of this child.
The exclusive origins of the symbolism are not directly known the use of The Golden Bow has been in scattered use for 8-10 years. However UNICEF is proud to launch this symbol and educational campaign. Wear it proudly and educate everyone who inquires about its symbolism and many meanings.
