Celebrating World Breastfeeding Week in August: A Time for Reflection and Advocacy

By Mary Kavesa 

Email, thecoastnewspapaer@gmail.com

August is a pivotal month for maternal and child health as celebrated every year on the month of August 1-7 for world’s breastfeeding Week.

This annual observance provides a valuable opportunity to reflect on the importance of breastfeeding and advocate for the support needed to ensure that every mother and child has the best start in life.

A robust support system is needed during this period and mothers are to be empowered to make informed choices about their breastfeeding journey.

This fosters an environment where breastfeeding is not only encouraged, but also supported through practical measures.

Breastfeeding offers unparalleled benefits for both infants and mothers.

For babies, it provides essential nutrients and antibodies that boost their immune system, reducing the risk of infections, allergies and chronic conditions. 

The first six months of life of a baby, exclusive breastfeeding is recommended as per the World Health Organization (WHO), appropriate complementary foods are introduced with continued breastfeeding up to two years or beyond.

Breastfeeding helps in post-partum recovery, reduces the risk of breast and ovarian cancer and fosters a unique bonding experience better mothers and their newborns to mothers.

It is a cost effective and environmentally sustainable compared to formula feeding.

During this breastfeeding month and week, efforts are concentrated on enhancing support structures like healthcare providers like lactation consultants who provides encouragement to breastfeeding mothers.

Family and friends are encouraged to educate them about benefits of breastfeeding and provide practical help which can ease the challenges new mothers face.

Breastfeeding isn’t always easy nor straightforward.

Many mothers face challenges like lack of support, societal stigma and workplace barriers. 

Maternity leave isn’t sufficient in many countries making it difficult for women to maintain breastfeeding while returning to work. 

Additionally, breastfeeding in some cultures is not always normalized which can lead to isolation for new mothers.

Focusing on both celebrating the benefits of breastfeeding and addressing the barriers that hinder mothers from starting or continue breastfeeding is essential.

Fostering supportive environment and enacting comprehensive policies can help ensure that every mother has the opportunity to give her child the best possible start in life.

Let this month be a time for renewed commitment to promoting breastfeeding and addressing the systematic issues that impact it.

Through collective effort and advocacy, we can make a difference in the lives of families worldwide.