Subscribe to get weekly insights
Always stay up to date with our newest articles sent direct to your inbox
Published on 31 Jul, 2021
Updated on 4 Aug, 2025
2149 Views
6 min Read
Written by Jyotsana Shekhawat
Reviewed by Akhil Pillai
favorite0Like
favoriteBe the First to Like
Breastfeeding is one of the first and most powerful ways to ensure a child’s well-being. What appears to be a personal practice is, in fact, a must-do. Yet, millions of mothers worldwide face challenges while accessing the support they need to breastfeed their babies effectively. World Breastfeeding Week - observed globally from August 1st to 7th — invites us to pause, look around, and reflect on what we are doing wrong and how to create a better space for mothers. It is a global movement that challenges outdated beliefs, dismantles stigma, and clears the path to policies that prioritise both mothers and babies.
As global health space grapples with inconveniences and still-quiet-prevalent taboo, World Breastfeeding Week 2025 gives the spotlight to equity in breastfeeding support. After all, the right to this act is not just about mothers, but the entire society.
The theme for World Breastfeeding Week 2025 is ‘Prioritise Breastfeeding: Create Sustainable Support Systems.’ This theme highlights the urgent need for breastfeeding to shift from being a personal task to a shared societal responsibility. It underscores the importance of long-term, well-planned support mechanisms on all levels, from healthcare to workplace to overall community. The aim is to make this practice sustainable, not merely initiate it.
Additionally, the World Breastfeeding Week 2025 theme promotes the following practices:
In 1992, the World Alliance for Breastfeeding Action (WABA) initiated World Breastfeeding Week in partnership with WHO and UNICEF. The inspiration came from the Innocenti Declaration of 1990, an important global commitment to protect, promote, and support breastfeeding.
Since then, WBW has grown into a powerful global campaign observed in over 120 countries. Over the decades, the focus of this initiative has expanded beyond raising awareness, encompassing the introduction of policies on parental leave, maternal health, infant nutrition, and gender equality.
Breastfeeding is one of the most cost-effective health interventions. It protects infants from infections, reduces maternal risks like breast and ovarian cancer, and promotes cognitive development. In low- and middle-income countries, it can significantly minimise child mortality, while high-income settings can leverage it for lifelong health and emotional bonding.
Breastfeeding is as good for the mother as it is her child. It makes a significant impact on the woman’s body. As we understand this practice during World Breastfeeding Week, let’s understand the key benefits it offers to mothers:
Even though it is a natural biological process, breastfeeding is still clouded with multiple myths, which can mislead and discourage mothers. It is crucial to create an informed environment and supportive community to keep lack of awareness from becoming a challenge in the future.
On the occasion of World Breastfeeding Week, we have listed below the most common breastfeeding myths.
Fact-Check: Most mothers are physiologically capable of producing just the right amount of milk required for their baby. The only catch is that breastfeeding must be frequent and effective. The said low supply of milk is mainly a byproduct of lack of information (and poor latching in a few cases), not an actual deficiency in production.
Fact-Check: While formula works like an important alternative in some cases, it does not replace breastfeeding. Breastmilk contains live antibodies, hormones, and tailored nutrients that formula cannot replicate. It also adapts to the baby’s changing needs, offering lifelong health benefits.
Fact-Check: Unless there’s anything severe, breastfeeding can continue during illnesses. Breastmilk transfers protective antibodies to the baby, which helps fight infections. Yes, there are cases (however rare) where breastfeeding is paused due to serious conditions or specific medications.
Fact-Check: While some initial tenderness is common, breastfeeding should not be painful. Persistent pain is usually a sign of improper latch or technique and should be addressed with professional help. With proper guidance, breastfeeding can and should be comfortable.
Fact-Check: Breastmilk continues to provide essential nutrients and immune protection well beyond six months. The World Health Organization recommends breastfeeding up to two years or longer, alongside appropriate complementary feeding.
Fact-Check: Sagging breasts are not the result of breastfeeding, but of other factors like pregnancy, aging, genetics, and weight fluctuations. In fact, breastfeeding has no long-term negative impact on breast shape or firmness.
Fact-Check: Many working mothers successfully continue breastfeeding or pumping with the right support. Flexible work hours, lactation breaks, and designated pumping spaces can make breastfeeding compatible with employment.
Here are some tips for mothers or new parents about breastfeeding:
Every baby is unique, and feeding can differ sometimes. Breastfeeding varies based on the baby’s age and hunger. Here are the stages of breastfeeding:
It’s essential to observe your baby’s feeding habits and needs and consult a paediatrician or lactation consultant if needed.
When we prioritise breastfeeding, we prioritise woman empowerment, public health, women’s well-being, healthy children. By promoting sustainable practices, we can ensure support systems within which every mother feels confident and relaxed about feeding her baby. When it comes to supporting mothers and babies, it is not limited to just physical and mental well-being, but also financial freedom.
A Family Floater Plan by Care Health Insurance is the perfect way to ensure that. It is to give protection to the entire family against health-related expenses and offers a wide range of coverage, including newborn care (minus waiting period for the baby). As we observe World Breastfeeding Week 2025, let’s do our part by ensuring a place better than before for mothers and mothers to-be.
>> Also Read: Importance of Breastfeeding Milk
Disclaimer: The above information is for reference purposes only. Kindly consult your general physician for verified medical advice. Health insurance benefits are subject to policy terms and conditions. See policy documents for details.
favoriteBe the First to Like
शुगर कंट्रोल कैसे करे? जानें, डायबिटीज में क्या खाना चाहिए Vipul Tiwary in Health & Wellness
Thyroid : मामूली नहीं हैं महिलाओं में थायराइड होना, जानें इसके लक्षण और घरेलू उपचार Vipul Tiwary in Diseases
हाई ब्लड प्रेशर को तुरंत कंट्रोल कैसे करें? देखें इसके उपाय Vipul Tiwary in Diseases
प्लेटलेट्स की कमी के लक्षण, कारण और इलाज क्या है Vipul Tiwary in Diseases
World Hepatitis Day 2025: Let’s Overcome the Fear! Mudit Handa in Awareness Days
विश्व जनसंख्या दिवस कब और क्यों मनाया जाता है? Vipul Tiwary in Awareness Days
International Yoga Day 2025: Unfolding Its Importance, Theme and Origin Yashita Sinha in Awareness Days
World Kidney Cancer Day 2025: Show Your Kidneys Some Love Gungun Bhatia in Awareness Days