When is World Breastfeeding Week?
World Breastfeeding Week is celebrated every year from 1st to 7th August in more than 120 countries.
First launched in 1992 by the World Alliance for Breastfeeding Action (WABA), the event highlights the health benefits of breastfeeding and promotes support for parents worldwide. While it’s officially a week-long event, August is often considered World Breastfeeding Month.
The 2024 theme, “Closing the Gap: Breastfeeding Support for All,” emphasizes survival, health, and wellbeing while addressing societal inequalities. It advocates for inclusive breastfeeding support, especially in times of emergency and crisis.
Why Do We Celebrate World Breastfeeding Week?
World Breastfeeding Week holds immense significance as it commemorates the 1990 Innocenti Declaration. Signed by the World Health Organisation (WHO) and UNICEF, this declaration aims to protect, promote, and support breastfeeding, emphasising an infant’s right to nutritious food and a mother’s right to breastfeed.
The Innocenti Declaration states: “…all women should be enabled to practise exclusive breastfeeding, and infants should be fed exclusively on breast milk from birth to 4-6 months of age.”
WHO and UNICEF have designed and implemented global healthcare policies, including the WHO Code and the Baby Friendly Initiative, which help to ensure the right aid reaches the right people in the right communities.
Breastfeeding provides essential health benefits for both mother and baby. While it may not be possible for everyone, all parents should have the opportunity to breastfeed if they choose to. Unfortunately, many face cultural, economic, and social barriers, depriving them of this natural bonding experience.
These challenges, coupled with the high cost of formula and water sanitation issues in developing regions, contribute to food insecurity and elevated infant mortality rates. World Breastfeeding Week seeks to educate, advocate for breastfeeding rights, and encourage policy changes to ensure all parents receive the support they need.
10 Benefits of Breastfeeding
Breastfeeding offers amazing health benefits to both mother, baby, and the environment, which is why it’s so important we continue to raise awareness and improve the support we offer to new parents.
1. It’s highly nutritious.
Breast milk contains the perfect blend of nutrients essential for healthy growth and development, adapting to the baby’s changing needs.
2. It strengthens immunity.
Colostrum, the first milk, is rich in antibodies that protect babies from illnesses and infections, reducing the burden on healthcare systems.
3. It helps with emotional bonding.
Little comes close to breastfeeding when it comes to emotional bonding. It’s a unique experience that can’t be replaced, and this connection to their baby can make mothers feel happier.
4. It’s easier to digest.
Breast milk is tailored for infants, making it easier to digest than formula. Formula-fed babies are more prone to digestive issues like diarrhoea.
5. It reduces the risk of SIDS.
Just two months of breastfeeding can halve the risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS).
6. It supports brain development.
The nutrients in breast milk – such as DHA, an essential fatty acid – support brain development, helping babies reach important milestones.
7. It’s affordable and convenient.
Breastfeeding is free, always available, and doesn’t require preparation, easing financial and logistical pressures on families.
8. Good for maternal health
Breastfeeding lowers the risk of postpartum depression and certain cancers, while aiding in post-pregnancy weight loss.
9. It helps with postpartum recovery.
Breastfeeding produces oxytocin, a hormone that causes the uterus to return to its original size more quickly, and can also reduce postpartum bleeding.
10. It’s better for the environment.
Exclusive breastfeeding produces no waste, whereas formula has a huge carbon footprint with a lot of plastic waste.
Breastfeeding in the UK: Facts and Statistics.
Despite its benefits, the UK has one of the world’s lowest breastfeeding rates. A 2010 survey revealed only 1% of infants are exclusively breastfed until six months.
While 81% of new mothers initiate breastfeeding, only 24% continue beyond six weeks. This disparity reflects systemic failings, not a lack of willingness. Issues include social stigma, insufficient maternity leave, poor facilities, and inadequate support networks, driving 90% of parents to stop breastfeeding earlier than they wanted to.
In contrast, countries like Norway and Sweden achieve over 90% breastfeeding rates due to robust support systems and parental leave policies. Strict regulations on breast milk substitutes also play a significant role.
Creating a compassionate breastfeeding culture in the UK could improve child health and save the NHS an estimated £50 million annually.
Black Breastfeeding Week
Black Breastfeeding Week is celebrated from 25th – 31st August every year, and was originally founded in the US in 2013 by Kimberly Seals Allers, Kiddada Green, and Anayah Sangodele-Ayoka. However, it’s become an international celebration for black parents around the world.
It calls for everyone to acknowledge and discuss the unique challenges that black women and their infants face when it comes to breastfeeding. Sadly, there are still racial disparities and systemic barriers that lead to lower breastfeeding rates among black mothers, compared to other racial and ethnic groups.
Racial discrimination, socio-economic barriers, and inadequate healthcare access contribute to lower breastfeeding rates among black mothers. Historical traumas, such as those from slavery, further complicate generational breastfeeding practices.
This inequity extends to black maternal health in general. The latest MBRRACE report shows there are still differences in the level of care between black and white parents, before, during, and after birth.
By acknowledging inequalities, celebrating diversity, and advocating for change, we can create a brighter future for black breastfeeding mums in the UK.
National Breastfeeding Week
Usually celebrated in June or July, National Breastfeeding Week promotes positive attitudes toward breastfeeding in the UK. It focuses on empowering lactating parents, providing workplace support, and raising awareness about available resources to reduce feelings of isolation.
Breastfeeding And The Workplace
Supporting breastfeeding in the workplace is vital for employee wellbeing and retention. Offering flexible breaks, private pumping spaces, and comprehensive parental benefits creates an inclusive environment where new parents can thrive.
From flexible break times and private spaces to pump and safely store milk, to offering advanced parental employee benefits, companies can foster a totally inclusive environment where new mothers can thrive. Not only is this great for employee morale, but it reduces maternity-related absenteeism and improves employee retention. All of which is good for business!
Three World Breastfeeding Week Ideas
Help change the breastfeeding story for women around the world by supporting World Breastfeeding Week. Here are some ways to get involved to celebrate this amazing cause.
Host a Big Latch On event
In 2024, the Global Big Latch On will be hosted by local communities across the globe at times and dates that suit them. It’s a way for nursing parents to come together and breastfeed or express milk at the same time, creating a safe and inclusive space for all. Organise an event in your community and help mothers connect, share and open up about breastfeeding challenges.
Advocate in the workplace
Be an ambassador for nursing mums in the workplace by having a conversation with your employer about breastfeeding support. You could hold a ‘Decaf Coffee Morning’ to discuss breastfeeding-friendly policies and how to change attitudes in the workplace. Invite company bosses along for a richer discussion that could lead to positive change.
Join the ‘brelfie’ movement
A ‘brelfie’ is a breastfeeding selfie that’s even been endorsed by the World Health Organisation. They’re a great way to “spread the word about the importance of mother’s milk” and put an end to unhelpful stigmas about this wonderful, natural process. Portrait mode, activated!
Breastfeeding Resources
The World Alliance for Breastfeeding Action (WABA) has resources and toolkits to help you organise events and spread awareness.
UNICEF and WHO offer extensive information and guidelines on breastfeeding practices and policies.
The NHS has plenty of breastfeeding guides and advice for new mums. Some NHS Trusts will offer digital health solutions for breastfeeding, such as Anya. Our LatchAid 3D breastfeeding tool and 24/7 support is helping to boost breastfeeding initiation and continuation.
