World Breastfeeding Week 2023: History & How to Observe

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Every year, from August 1 to August 7, people all across the world observe World Breastfeeding Week. This international effort strives to increase public awareness of breastfeeding and its benefits. The campaign became crucial as infant mortality rates increased as a result of fewer women wanting to nurse their children.

While everyone has the right to make their own decisions, the World Health Organization (WHO) advises nursing up until the kid reaches two. Let’s work together to encourage breastfeeding throughout this World Breastfeeding Week.

History Of World Breastfeeding Week

One of the biggest cooperative initiatives by international organizations like the World Health Organization (WHO) and UNICEF is World Breastfeeding Week. It was put up by the World Alliance for Breastfeeding Action (WABA) with the intention of promoting breastfeeding’s advantages.

Since its inception in 1992, World Breastfeeding Week has featured annual themes like healthcare and women. In 2016, the week started pushing various tactics to support breastfeeding after aligning its aim with the Sustainable Development Goals (S.D.G.s). All communication channels educate the public about the problem and the fascinating background of breastfeeding, which many people are unaware of, throughout the workweek.

Did you know that in ancient Greece, a Greek goddess’ milk was believed to possess extraordinary abilities like immortality? For instance, in Greek mythology, Hera’s breast milk created the Milky Way and gave Hercules invincibility. But as time went on, nursing became far less common, and mothers started switching to animal milk.

Cow or goat milk was frequently utilized in 15th-century Europe but was viewed as deficient since it had an impact on the health of the child. Flour or cereal blended with broth was first presented as a breastmilk substitute later in the 18th century. Since many women were unable to naturally make milk for their infants, the quest for breast milk substitutes continued after this too proved fruitless.

When infant formula first hit the market in the 19th century, many mothers stopped exclusively breastfeeding their babies. Breastfeeding was even demonized in some nations in the early 20th century, but that was before medical professionals explained how a kid would suffer if they didn’t receive breast milk. Breastfeeding saw a resurgence in the 1960s and is still encouraged internationally today.

How to Observe World Breastfeeding Week?

Talk About The Benefits Of Breastfeeding

The week is ideal for spreading awareness of the advantages of breastfeeding and how it can aid a child’s development. You can submit a video or blog on social media to express your ideas.

How did it go for you to breastfeed? What did you discover? By sharing your experience, you can help others understand your struggles and calm any concerns they might have about the procedure.

Join A Breastfeeding Support Group

Join a support group to learn more about breastfeeding and get assistance with any problems you encounter. Look into the advantages of breast milk.

5 Important Facts About Breast Milk

1. Breast Milk And The Body

It uses 25% of the body’s total energy.

2. It Affects A Child’s Sleep Patterns

Babies get tired from breast milk.

3. There Are Hormones In Breast Milk

Prolactin and oxytocin are found in breast milk.

4. It Reduces The Risk Of Illnesses

Breastfeeding is thought to lower a woman’s risk of developing breast cancer.

5. Certain Risks Are Lowered

Infant death syndrome risk is decreased.

Why World Breastfeeding Week Is Important

1. It Promotes Breastfeeding

The week encourages moms all over the world to nurse their children for a specific amount of time and promotes breastfeeding.

2. It Recognizes The Importance Of Breastfeeding

The purpose of the week is to raise awareness of the benefits of breastfeeding for both mothers and their infants. It also highlights the benefits of the procedure.

3. It Provides Knowledge Regarding Breastfeeding

Several breastfeeding-related information, such as what a nursing woman should consume and when she should feed the infant, are brought to light during World Breastfeeding Week.

World Breastfeeding Week FAQS

When Is Black Breastfeeding Week?

From August 25 to August 31, 2023, Black Nursing Week is commemorated to raise awareness of the advantages of breastfeeding and to emphasize the unique difficulties and successes that come with being Black while breastfeeding.

Is A 10-Minute Feeding Time Long Enough For A Newborn?

A newborn baby should have at least 10 to 15 minutes of feeding time every three hours.

Why Is Breastfeeding Important?

Both the mother and the kid benefit from breastfeeding. Additionally, it has many health benefits.