World Breastfeeding Week (August 1-7) highlights the benefits of breastfeeding and the crucial role of support systems in helping mothers succeed. This year's theme, "Breastfeeding Support for All," emphasizes the need for comprehensive networks to empower mothers and promote optimal breastfeeding practices globally.
WHO and UNICEF recommend breastfeeding within the first hour of birth and exclusively breastfeeding for the first six months, with no other foods or liquids, including water. Infants should be breastfed on demand, day and night, without bottles, teats, or pacifiers. From six months, children should start safe complementary foods while continuing to breastfeed for up to two years or beyond.
However, global breastfeeding rates need improvement. Between 2015 and 2020, only 44% of infants aged 0-6 months were exclusively breastfed, short of the WHO target of 50% by 2025. Malnutrition, often due to inappropriate feeding, contributes to 60% of the 10.9 million annual child deaths, mostly in the first year. Exclusive breastfeeding can prevent many of these deaths, but only 35% of infants worldwide are exclusively breastfed during the first four months. Complementary feeding often starts too early or late, with foods that are nutritionally inadequate and unsafe.
Essential measures to support breastfeeding include:
Support for breastfeeding anytime, anywhere: Normalize breastfeeding and ensure mothers feel comfortable and supported in public spaces.
Effective maternity entitlements: Provide adequate maternity leave and workplace support so women don't have to choose between family and work.
Trained health professionals: Train health workers to offer respectful, practical breastfeeding support.
Regulation of baby-milk promotions: Implement stringent regulations to prevent misleading baby-milk promotions that undermine breastfeeding.
By providing comprehensive support to mothers and families, we can make breastfeeding a universal practice, fostering healthier and stronger communities.
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