World Breastfeeding Week (WBW) is an annual observance held annually from 1–7 August to promote breastfeeding and improve infant health worldwide. The event was first organized by the World Alliance for Breastfeeding Action (WABA) in 1992, and is supported by international organizations such as the World Health Organization (WHO) and the United Nations International Children's Emergency Fund (UNICEF).
The main objectives of World Breastfeeding Week are to:
- Raise awareness about the importance of breastfeeding for maternal and infant health.
- Promote policies and practices that support breastfeeding, including maternity leave and breastfeeding spaces in the workplace.
- Encourage support from communities, families, and health care providers for breastfeeding mothers.
- Provide information and education on breastfeeding techniques and benefits.
- Advocate for the rights of breastfeeding mothers worldwide.
Each year, World Breastfeeding Week has a different theme, focusing on specific aspects of breastfeeding and ways to support and promote it. This year's World Breastfeeding Week 2024, WHO carries the theme Closing the Gap: Breastfeeding Support for All.
To achieve this goal, WHO and UNICEF have issued 5 directives or recommendations, namely:
1. Increase investment in programs and policies to protect the rights of breastfeeding mothers and support breastfeeding, one of which is through the national budget.
2. Monitor workplace policies to be conducive to breastfeeding mothers, such as paid maternity and postpartum leave, breaks for breastfeeding or pumping, and access to affordable and quality childcare.
3. Support counseling for breastfeeding mothers with experts, such as lactation counselors at primary health facilities.
4. Increase public education regarding the benefits of breastfeeding for mothers and children in order to increase the number of babies who receive breast milk
5. Tighten regulations regarding the promotion of breast milk substitutes or formula milk (sufor), including in digital marketing.
Benefits of Breastfeeding
Breastfeeding has many benefits for both babies and mothers. Here are some of the main benefits of breastfeeding:
Benefits for Babies
- Optimal Nutrition: Breast milk provides all the nutrients babies need for growth and development during the first six months of life.
- Immune System: Breast milk contains antibodies and immune cells that help protect babies from various infections and diseases.
- Better Digestion: Breast milk is easier for babies to digest than formula milk, reducing the risk of digestive problems such as colic and constipation.
- Brain Development: Breast milk contains DHA (omega-3 fatty acids) which is important for the development of the baby's brain and eyes.
- Emotional Bonding: Breastfeeding helps build a strong emotional bond between mother and baby.
- Reduced Risk of Disease: Breastfed babies are at lower risk of developing several diseases such as diarrhea, ear infections, pneumonia, type 1 diabetes, and obesity.
Benefits for Mothers
- Postpartum Recovery: Breastfeeding helps the uterus return to its normal size more quickly and reduces postpartum bleeding.
- Weight Loss: Breastfeeding burns extra calories, which can help mothers lose weight more quickly after giving birth.
- Mental Health: Breastfeeding can increase the release of the hormone oxytocin, which helps reduce stress and strengthens the emotional bond with the baby.
- Reduced Risk of Disease: Breastfeeding mothers have a lower risk of breast cancer, ovarian cancer, and osteoporosis.
- Economical and Practical: Breastfeeding is more economical because it does not require the purchase of formula, bottles, or other equipment. In addition, breast milk is always available at the right temperature without the need for special preparation.
Benefits for Society
- Reduced Health Burden: By reducing the number of diseases in babies and mothers, breastfeeding can reduce health care costs.
- Better Environment: Breastfeeding does not produce waste from formula packaging and other breastfeeding equipment, making it more environmentally friendly.
- Breastfeeding is a long-term investment in the health and well-being of babies and mothers, and has a positive impact on society as a whole.
In closing, World Breastfeeding Week is an important moment to raise awareness about the benefits of breastfeeding for the health of mothers and babies, and to encourage support for breastfeeding mothers around the world. Through various activities and campaigns, we can together create an environment that supports and facilitates breastfeeding practices, so that every baby gets a healthy start in life and every mother gets the support they need.
Let us all play an active role in promoting and supporting breastfeeding, both through direct action and the dissemination of useful information. In doing so, we can help create a healthier and stronger future generation. Happy World Breastfeeding Week, let us continue to work together for the health and well-being of mothers and babies around the world.
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