A LOCAL organisation is encouraging new mothers to breast-feed for reasons slightly out of the ordinary.

According to La Leche League of Bermuda, the practice offers an excellent solution to the traditional woes residents have come to associate with summer ? power failures, water shortages and tropical storms.

And, in anticipation of the global celebration of Breast-feeding Week ? August 1 through 7 ? it's a message the group is trying to promote to the general public.

"Breast-feeding Week is especially important in Bermuda," said the group's chairperson Lena Ostroff. "Becoming a new parent is challenging enough without the additional worry and stress of dealing with power failures, water shortages and tropical storms."

She added that pregnant women and new moms who breast-feed need not worry about coping in such situations.

"A simple and elegant solution to assuring any new baby gets the very best possible nutrition even when the power goes out or the water supply is diminished ? breast-feed," she said. "Especially here in Bermuda, where we are currently facing the possibility of power failures, a water shortage and a season of tropical storms, parents may be assured their newborns will be protected during times of stress, while receiving the perfect food.

"In addition to emergency situations, breastfeeding offers great solutions to other problems in Bermuda ? sustainable development and economic viability. Nursing your baby is environmentally friendly and has enormous financial benefits.

"Mothers will save money by not purchasing formula and all the equipment that goes with it. Breast-fed babies are healthy and, therefore, make fewer visits to the doctor and the pharmacy. Breast milk does not require recycling and is packaged in the perfect container."

La Leche League International is a non-profit organisation which was founded by a small group of women in 1956 interested in helping other mothers learn about breast-feeding. Today it is an internationally recognised authority on breast-feeding, and boasts a network in more than 60 countries.

The group was established on the island 18 years ago, and has been instrumental in helping thousands of people through the encouragement, support and information it provides to pregnant women and new mothers.

As part of global celebrations, the group will this year highlight the issue of 'Breast-feeding and Family Foods'. Part of that focus will be to raise awareness of the risks and costs of introducing breast-fed babies to other foods and drinks before the age of six months. The celebrations also aim to draw attention to the value of continuing to breast-feed once children are older than six months and nutritious foods have been introduced to their diet.

"A century ago, every mother nursed her child and everyone around a new mother offered assistance," continued Ms Ostroff. "It is a sad reality that we live in an age and culture of artificial baby food feeding.

"Everywhere we turn, there are commercials and advertisements for formula. New mothers are often bombarded by well-meaning friends and relatives who bottle-fed themselves and lack the experience and information to encourage nursing.

"With unlimited budgets, multinational corporations flood the market with ad campaigns extolling the virtues of ever-improved formulas. But every time a new ingredient is added to artificial baby food, scientists discover yet another substance in mother's milk that is perfect for the healthy growth of infants and cannot be replicated in a laboratory.

"In emergency situations, such as when the power fails, access to clean water is limited or there is a hurricane, it is especially important to remember that breastfeeding offers a solution. Parents in Bermuda may be dealing with a lack of clean drinking water and little access to a sterile environment or appropriate feeding utensils. They may also be faced with babies and young children upset and anxious during times of crisis.

"Mothers who breast-feed their infants during a stressful time will provide comfort, while transferring antibodies that protect babies from infection. Breast-feeding will also help mothers to relax under difficult circumstances and give them a sense of control, empowerment and satisfaction."

La Leche League of Bermuda hosts monthly meetings, provides a free lending library with books on breast-feeding, pregnancy, and childcare, runs a 24-hour help line, distributes information sheets and brochures to health care professionals and takes referrals from clinics, nurses and doctors, all at no charge.

The group's next meeting is scheduled for August 13 at 10.30 a.m. in the First Floor Conference Room of King Edward VII Memorial Hospital. For further information or assistance with breast-feeding, telephone 236-1120.