By: Lebohang Maluke
Maseru – World Breastfeeding Week is scheduled annually in August for seven days to emphasize the significant advantages of breastfeeding for infant health and overall well-being, along with promoting maternal health.
This happens through initiatives like improving nutrition, reducing poverty, and ensuring food security.
The World Breastfeeding Week is the annual coordinated by the World Alliance for Breastfeeding Action (WABA), an international network dedicated to safeguarding, advocating for, and assisting breastfeeding on a global scale.
To the effect of this, it collaborates with the World Health Organization (WHO) and United Nations International Children’s Emergency F[U1] und (UNICEF) to ensure the cause impacts wide spread and appropriate audience.
WABA leads the worldwide World Breastfeeding Week (WBW) campaign with the goal of educating, establishing, involving, and inspiring action on breastfeeding and related topics.
The numerous expectations placed on breast feeding mothers, results in a lack of support for those who breastfeed. Women often feel that breastfeeding may not be a feasible choice for them due to their hectic work schedules and various other obstacles they encounter in today’s world.[U2]
Limited maternity leave in many countries entitles women few weeks or months which may not be sufficient time to establish a solid breastfeeding routine. Lack of support from employees engages into the stigma of breastfeeding in public.
Breastfeeding week focus’ is on promoting the positive effects of breastfeeding on health and well-being, as well as the significance of assisting mothers to breastfeed for the desired duration.
Breastfeeding is a highly effective method to guarantee child health and survival, but unfortunately, less than 50% of babies under 6 months are exclusively breastfed.
In 2018, a resolution by the World Health Assembly supported World Breastfeeding Week as a key health promotion tactic. Each year, the event focuses on a new theme to advocate for supportive environments for breastfeeding women dispersed across a variety of areas be it, the community or, city centers or public service areas. It is at such areas where the World Health Assembly raises awareness about breastfeeding benefits and strategies.
Since 2016, WBW campaign has been in accordance with United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). This campaign is referred to as the WBW-SDGs Campaign.
WBW occurs annually from August 1st to August 7th in honor of the 1990 Innocenti Declaration. WBW was established in 1992, focusing on yearly topics such as healthcare systems, women and work, the International Code of Marketing of Breast milk Substitutes, community support, ecology, economy, science, education, and human rights.
Since 2016, WBW has been in line with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). In 2018, a resolution by the World Health Assembly supported WBW as a vital strategy for promoting breastfeeding.
Expansion and progress: Breast milk has essential elements that help safeguard and strengthen the infant’s developing immune system. Breast milk is better for digestion than infant formulas, adapting to each baby’s individual needs with each feeding, making it the perfect choice for promoting healthy growth and development.
Mental advantages: The intimate connection and regular skin-to-skin contact while breastfeeding can strengthen the bond and emotional attachment between mother and baby.
It provides all the essential nutrients in the correct ratios. It provides protection from allergies, infant illnesses, obesity etc. further providing protection from illnesses such as diabetes and cancer also infections such as ear infections.
Adda Bjarnadottir (Healthline) 2024, article states that during pregnancy, mother’s uterus grows immensely, expanding from the size of a pear to filling almost the entire space of the abdomen.
After delivery, mother’s uterus goes through a shrinking process called involution, which helps it return to its previous size. Oxytocin, a hormone that increases throughout pregnancy, helps drive this process.
The body secretes high amounts of oxytocin during labor to help deliver the baby and minimize bleeding. Oxytocin also increases during breastfeeding. It encourages uterine contractions and reduces bleeding, helping the uterus return to its previous size.
Studies have also shown that mothers who breastfeed generally retain more quantities of blood loss after delivery and, faster involution of the uterus. Throughout pregnancy, the uterus undergoes significant growth, expanding from the dimensions of a pear to occupying nearly the entire abdominal cavity.
It stimulates uterine contractions and decreases bleeding, aiding in the restoration of the uterus to its original size.
WHO recommends breastfeeding until 2 years old or longer as the benefits continue that long. During the first days after birth, the breasts produce a thick and yellow fluid called colostrum. It is high in protein, low in sugar, and loaded with beneficial compounds. It helps the newborn’s immature digestive tract development.
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