title: Breastfeeding and feminism: a focus on reproductive health, rights and justice.
abstract: The annual Breastfeeding and Feminism Symposia aim to reposition breastfeeding as a valued part of women's (re)productive lives and rights. The symposia are designed to raise the profile of breastfeeding within the women's advocacy and feminist studies' communities, and to increase recognition among breastfeeding supporters that breastfeeding promotion could receive more socio-political support by partnering with those concerned with women's reproductive health, rights and justice, women's economic advancement, and the elimination of social, economic and health inequities. The third symposium (2007) sought to build dialogue and increase communications between and among these diverse communities. The nine articles presented in this thematic series were selected by the journal editors, and represent the core discussions at the symposium. This editorial presents the areas of synergy and strategies for action that emerged from the discussions. These strategies and this thematic issue are intended to reassert the momentum that evolved among participants, and to stimulate involvement among individuals and organizations not in attendance in promoting breastfeeding as a women's reproductive health, rights and justice concern.
authors.affiliation: Center for Infant and Young Child Feeding and Care, Department of Maternal and Child Health, University of North Carolina School of Public Health, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA.
authors.forename: Miriam H
authors.initials: MH
authors.lastname: Labbok
authors.affiliation: Center for Women's Health and Wellness, Department of Public Health Education, School of Health and Human Performance, University of North Carolina at Greensboro, Greensboro, North Carolina, USA.
authors.forename: Paige Hall
authors.initials: PH
authors.lastname: Smith
authors.affiliation: Center for Infant and Young Child Feeding and Care, Department of Maternal and Child Health, University of North Carolina School of Public Health, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA.
authors.forename: Emily C
authors.initials: EC
authors.lastname: Taylor