Breastfeeding is an important part of the whole cycle of our baby’s development. In addition to being a great experience for the mother, it is also important for the development of the child. World Breastfeeding Week is celebrated to highlight the importance of continuous breastfeeding for babies. Every year this day starts on August 1 and ends on August 7.
According to the World Health Organization, breastfed babies are smarter and healthier. They are also less likely to be overweight, obese and have diabetes than those who do not breastfeed.
World Breastfeeding Week 2022 theme
The theme for World Breastfeeding Week 2022 is ‘Step Up for Breastfeeding: Educate and Support’.
Breast milk is known to be the best food for newborns because it contains antibodies that help prevent many childhood diseases.
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History of Breastfeeding Week
The World Health Organization (WHO) and the United Nations International Children’s Emergency Fund (UNICEF) created a memorandum in 1990 to support and encourage breastfeeding.
Then, in 1991, the World Breastfeeding Association (WABA) was established. The first World Breastfeeding Week was held in 1992 to promote this campaign.
Initially, about 70 countries started commemorating that week. It is now celebrated by 170 countries.
The importance of breastfeeding weeks
World Breastfeeding Week aims to spread awareness about the various benefits of breastfeeding. According to the WHO, two out of three children are not breastfed, which makes it important to spread awareness this week.
Doctors recommend that mothers breastfeed their babies for at least six months because the antibodies in breast milk increase the baby’s defenses against germs and viruses.
Breastfed babies are less likely to have respiratory conditions, ear infections, or diarrhea. Breastfeeding lowers your baby’s risk of asthma or allergies.
Breastfeeding is good for mothers because it reduces the risk of breast and ovarian cancer.
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Five great benefits of breastfeeding.
- Breast milk is the best source of nutrition for most babies.
As the baby grows, the mother’s breast milk will change to meet her baby’s nutritional needs.
- Breastfeeding can help protect babies against some short- and long-term illnesses and diseases.
Breastfed babies have a lower risk of asthma, obesity, type 1 diabetes, and sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS). Breastfed babies are also less likely to have ear infections and stomach bugs. - Breast milk shares antibodies from the mother with her baby.
These antibodies help babies develop a strong immune system and protect them from illnesses. - Mothers can breastfeed anytime and anywhere.
Mothers can feed their babies on the go without worrying about having to mix formula or prepare bottles. When traveling, breastfeeding can also provide a source of comfort for babies whose normal routine is disrupted. - Breastfeeding can reduce the mother’s risk of breast and ovarian cancer, type 2 diabetes, and high blood pressure.
Breastfeeding has health benefits for the mother too! Some cancers, type 2 diabetes, and high blood pressure are less common among women who breastfeed.
