The first week of August is marked as World Breastfeeding Week, a global initiative aimed at raising awareness about the critical importance of breastfeeding and advocating for supportive environments for breastfeeding mothers. Observed from August 1st to 7th, the theme for this year is “Closing the gap: Breastfeeding support for all, with an emphasis on workplace and community support for breastfeeding mothers.”
Breastfeeding is recognized as one of the most effective ways to ensure child health and survival. It provides essential nutrients, enhances immunity, and fosters a strong bond between mother and child. According to the WHO, optimal breastfeeding could prevent 820000 child deaths every year. Unfortunately only 44% of children receive exclusive breastfeeding up to 6 months.
Dr. Rajni Bagai ,Senior Consultant, Obstetrics & Gynaecology, Narayana Hospital, Howrah said Breastfeeding is a lifesaving gift, yet many mothers face barriers in their journey. This World Breastfeeding Week, let’s close the gap by ensuring supportive workplaces and communities. Optimal breastfeeding can prevent 820,000 child deaths annually, and its benefits extend far beyond infancy. By empowering mothers to breastfeed, we can create a healthier, more prosperous future for all. Let us prioritize skin-to-skin contact, early initiation, and demand-based feeding, and give every child the best possible start in life.”
Key Objectives of World Breastfeeding Week 2024:
1. Support Working Mothers: This year’s theme highlights the importance of creating supportive workplace policies and practices that allow mothers to balance breastfeeding with their professional commitments. Employers are encouraged to provide facilities such as lactation rooms and flexible work hours to support breastfeeding employees.
2. Promote the Health Benefits of Breastfeeding: Breastfeeding significantly reduces the risk of infections, allergies, and chronic diseases in infants, while also offering health benefits for mothers, including reduced risks of breast and ovarian cancers.
3. Educate Communities: By educating communities about breastfeeding, we aim to foster a culture that recognizes and supports breastfeeding as a natural and vital part of raising healthy children.
4. Encourage Collaboration: The week encourages governments, healthcare systems, and community organizations to collaborate in creating breastfeeding-friendly environments.
Breast milk offers unparalleled benefits for babies, mothers, and the planet. It provides Nutritional Excellence, containing the perfect balance of nutrients essential for a baby’s development and growth. Additionally, it offers Immune Boosting properties, providing antibodies that help babies fight off viruses and bacteria. Furthermore, the physical closeness and eye contact during breastfeeding foster a deep Bonding experience, strengthening the emotional connection between mother and child. Lastly, breastfeeding has a positive Environmental Impact, being an eco-friendly choice that reduces the need for packaging, fuel, and waste associated with formula production.