World Breastfeeding Week is celebrated every year from August 1 to August 7. It is a global initiative to spread awareness among society to improve infants' and mothers' health and well-being. The theme for World Breastfeeding Week 2024 is ‘Closing the Gap: Breastfeeding Support for All’, which aims to foster an inclusive environment that celebrates the diversity of breastfeeding mothers and highlights the importance of family support and the collective responsibility of family, society, and healthcare workers in supporting breastfeeding mothers.
The History of World Breastfeeding Week
This initiative was taken by WHO, UNICEF, and other organisations in August 1990 to promote, protect, and support breastfeeding among people unaware of its importance for their infants. Considering this thoughtful cause, the World Alliance for Breastfeeding Action (WABA) presented the concept of a globally integrated strategy to promote breastfeeding. Initially, it was decided to celebrate this cause for just a day, which later turned into a week-long affair. World Breastfeeding Week is now celebrated in more than 100 countries to honour all the mothers who believe in breastfeeding their babies and spread awareness among parents about the significance of breastfeeding.
Every Breastfeeding Journey is Different
Breastfeeding can be full of challenges and perseverance; it’s a journey that not only requires physical acts but also emotional and moral support. Mothers from different backgrounds, cultures, and socio-economic statuses bring their own different stories and experiences. This year's theme highlights the importance of recognising this diversity. Whether it’s a working mother juggling between her career and child; a homemaker fulfilling the demands of her family; or a single mother trying to provide her best for the baby, every mother needs acknowledgment and support.
Each one of us plays a different role in supporting a breastfeeding mother:
Role of a Family
Family plays a crucial role in a mother’s breastfeeding journey, especially for the father. A partner can make a world of difference by sharing household responsibilities and emotionally supporting the breastfeeding mother. Other family members can create a positive and nurturing environment for both the mother and the child. By understanding the mother’s needs and supporting her decisions, whether it’s exclusive breastfeeding, combination feeding, or weaning.
Community and Social Support
Communities and societies have a pivotal role and largely hold significant power in shaping the breastfeeding experience for breastfeeding mothers. Public accommodation for breastfeeding, like designated spaces in malls, workplaces, and public transport, makes it easier for women to breastfeed their babies without feeling uncomfortable and stigmatised.
Workplaces too have a critical role, where breastfeeding mothers are juggling between their work and responsibilities. They can do their bit by providing maternity leave, flexible working hours, and dedicated lactation rooms. Employers should make sure that mothers do not have to choose between their careers and their baby’s health.
Educational campaigns that emphasise and normalise breastfeeding can help create a more accepting and informed society.
Important Roles of Healthcare Workers
Healthcare workers are the first point of contact for new mothers seeking breastfeeding advice. Beyond maternity guidance, they have an extended role; they offer reassurance, a listening ear, and practical tips. Cultural competence training to address the unique needs of mothers from different backgrounds should be provided to healthcare workers so that mothers can receive personalised and respectful care.
Importance of Breastfeeding
Breastfeeding is a personal journey that is unique and joyful for each mother. From the first latch to the last feed, the moments are priceless. Breastmilk is one of the healthiest diets for newborn babies, as it ensures their physical and mental growth. All the expecting mothers out there should be aware of the benefits of breastfeeding their newborns and keep themselves prepared for the same.
With breastfeeding, children get the healthiest start in life, enabling their bodies to heal and grow within. Breast milk provides a blend of vitamins, proteins, and fats essential for the child’s development. It gives health, nutritional, and emotional benefits to both children and mothers. Being the most sustainable food system, it keeps the baby well-fed and relaxed. While breastfeeding is a natural process, it doesn’t get so easy, as mothers need support to get started and sustain breastfeeding in the initial days.
Benefits of Breastfeeding
Breastfeeding is a natural and rewarding experience that is beneficial for both mother and child. Here are a few benefits of breastfeeding:
- According to the WHO, breast milk is the source of antibodies that help babies fight against numerous viruses and bacteria. Colostrum, the first milk produced after a child’s birth, is rich in antioxidants.
- It has also been noticed that babies who were breastfed without formula for the first few six months of their birth haven’t developed ear infections, respiratory illnesses, or diarrhoea compared to the babies who were fed formula.
- Babies who are breastfed are healthier than babies who are put on formula. It helps maintain a healthy weight and reduces the risk of childhood obesity.
- Doctors recommend breastfeeding the babies for at least a year after the baby is born, even after solid foods are introduced, which promotes the babies' growth.
- According to the studies, breastfed children have higher IQ scores as they develop.
- The benefits of breastfeeding are numerous, as breastfed babies have more leptin in them than formula-fed babies. It is an important hormone that regulates appetite and fat storage.
Breastfeeding Effects on the Body
Breastfeeding is also beneficial for the mother and has a profound effect on the body. Here are some of the key benefits:
- The risk of developing breast cancer, ovarian cancer, type 2 diabetes, and heart disease in mothers is also minimised due to long-term breastfeeding.
- Breastfeeding helps the uterus shrink back to its pre-pregnancy size and reduces postpartum bleeding.
- Breastfeeding has a positive effect on a mother’s body; it assists mothers in losing pregnancy weight and burning extra calories.
- Moreover, skin-to-skin contact during breastfeeding enhances the emotional bond between mother and child, promoting a sense of comfort and security.
Tips for Breastfeeding
Here are some tips for mothers or new parents about breastfeeding:
- Start early: Take advantage of the baby’s natural sucking instinct within the first hour of birth to receive the benefits of colostrum.
- Proper latching: Ensure that the baby latches properly to avoid nipple pain and make sure they receive enough milk. If required, seek help from a lactation consultant.
- Comfortable position: Use a pillow or cushion to support your arms and baby. Breastfeed the baby in a comfortable and quiet place.
- Feed on demand: Let the baby ask for it and dictate the feeding schedule. Feeding on demand helps in maintaining a good milk supply.
- Feed fully and observe: Allow the baby to feed fully on one breast before switching to another. Also, look for fullness hints like turning away or slow sucking. Focus on the baby’s growth and satisfaction rather than the timing.
- Eat well and stay hydrated: Maintain a healthy, nutritious diet and drink plenty of fluids to support milk production and overall health.
- Avoid stress: Stress and anxiety can impact milk production in women. Meditate, practice relaxation techniques, and take proper rest for healthy breastfeeding.
- Be patient: Breastfeeding can be challenging initially. Don’t hesitate to seek help from family members, healthcare professionals, or lactation consultants.
By following these tips, mothers can ensure the best start to their breastfeeding journey.
How Long Should Breastfeeding Take?
Every baby is unique, and feeding can differ sometimes. A breastfeeding session varies based on the baby’s age and hunger. Here are the stages of breastfeeding:
- Newborns: Generally, 20 to 45 minutes per feeding, and every 2 to 3 hours.
- 1-3 Months: Often 15 to 30 minutes per feeding, 8 to 12 times in a day.
- 3-6 Months: About 10 to 20 minutes per breast, every 3 to 4 hours in a day.
- 6 Months and Older: Breastfeeding frequency decreases with the consumption of solid foods, and session duration varies.
It’s essential to observe your baby’s feeding habits and needs and consult a paediatrician or lactation consultant if needed.
Wrapping Up!
You can give your babies a healthy life if you are aware of the benefits of breast milk. World Breastfeeding Week is a reminder to all those mothers who have grown their babies healthy by breastfeeding them and to the women who are expecting mothers to help them know what best they can do to give their children a healthy start to their lives. Let’s all treat this cause as a shared responsibility and lay the foundation for a healthy future.
>> Also Read: Importance of Breastfeeding Milk
Home
Diseases
