Every year, from August 1st to August 7th, the world celebrates World Breastfeeding Week (WBW) to increase awareness and promote the benefits of breastfeeding for both mothers and children. This campaign, which was started in 1992 by the World Alliance for Breastfeeding Action (WABA), emphasizes the importance of breastfeeding in promoting healthy development, lowering child mortality, and creating a healthier global community.
Why Breast Milk is Best
For newborns, breast milk is nature's ideal nourishment. It is specially made to satisfy newborns' nutritional, immunological, and developmental requirements. For the baby's growth and protection, it has the ideal ratio of proteins, lipids, carbs, vitamins, and antibodies.
First six months of the baby's existence. It supports brain development, boosts immunity, and guards against infections. Breastfeeding helps moms heal more quickly after giving birth, lowers their risk of developing ovarian and breast cancers, and strengthens their emotional ties.
•Optimal Nutrition: Breast milk is a complete food containing the right balance of proteins, fats, carbohydrates, vitamins, minerals, and water for the baby’s growth and development.
•Immunity Booster : It provides antibodies and immune cells that protect the baby from infections, allergies, and diseases.
•Digestive Health: Breast milk is easily digestible and supports the development of a healthy gut microbiome.
•Brain Development: Contains essential fatty acids like DHA that are crucial for brain and eye development.
•Reduced Risk of Chronic Diseases: Lowers the risk of obesity, type 2 diabetes, asthma, and heart diseases later in life.
•Emotional Bonding: Promotes a strong mother-child bond through close physical contact, warmth, and security.
Benefits to the Mother through Breastfeeding :
•Postpartum Recovery: Helps the uterus contract and return to its normal size, reducing postpartum bleeding.
•Calorie Burning Effect : Assists in weight loss after pregnancy by using stored fat to produce milk.
•Reduced Risk of Non-Communicable Disease : Lowers the risk of breast cancer, ovarian cancer, type 2 diabetes, and osteoporosis.
•Hormonal Balance: Stimulates the release of oxytocin and prolactin, promoting emotional well-being and reducing stress.
•Convenience and Cost-Effectiveness: Always available, at the right temperature, and free of cost.
•Strengthened Bonding: Encourages emotional connection and enhances maternal instincts.
The 2025 theme, “Invest in Breastfeeding, Invest in the Future,” highlights the profound impact breastfeeding has on lifelong health, development, and societal progress. By supporting and promoting breastfeeding, we invest in stronger immunity, better nutrition, and cognitive growth for children, while empowering mothers with improved health and economic benefits. This theme emphasizes that breastfeeding is not just a personal choice but a global investment in healthier generations, reduced healthcare costs, and sustainable development. Prioritizing breastfeeding today builds a stronger, healthier, and more prosperous future for all.
