The world celebrates World Breastfeeding Week from August 1 to August 7 every year, to spread awareness about its importance and need. One of the most overwhelming experiences a mother can have is breastfeeding a baby. It’s very essential for an infant, as well as a mother thus, the world celebrates World Breastfeeding Week from August 1 to August 7 every year, to spread awareness about its importance and need. World Health Organization (WHO) recognises breast milk as the best nutritional source for infants. WHO and UNICEF recommend that an infant must be breastfed within an hour of birth and should continue at least for the first six months of the child’s life.
However, ideally, breastfeeding should continue till the age of two to ensure the healthy growth and development of the child. World Breastfeeding Week is celebrated to encourage women to breastfeed for the all-around development of a child.
HISTORY OF BREASTFEEDING WEEK
The history of breastfeeding week is dated back to 1990 when the World Health Organization (WHO) and the United Nations International Children’s Emergency Fund (UNICEF) created a memorandum to promote and support breastfeeding. In 1991, the World Association of Breastfeeding Action was formed to execute UNICEF and WHO’s goals. One whole week was dedicated in 1992 to promote this campaign. Earlier, around 70 countries have initiated the celebration of WBW, however, at present, this number has grown to 170 countries.
Theme for this year: Protecting Breastfeeding now and beyond the pandemic- A shared responsibility
#ItsBreastfeedingWeek
