As World Breastfeeding Week runs from August 1 to 7, the World Health Organization (WHO) emphasizes the importance of robust support systems to help mothers breastfeed effectively.
Key Recommendations by WHO
- Trained Health Workers: Providing breastfeeding counselling throughout pregnancy, childbirth, and during the first two years of a child's life.
- Paid Maternity Leave: Advocating for policies that allow mothers adequate time off work to breastfeed.
- Workplace Support: Creating environments that accommodate breastfeeding mothers.
- Family Involvement: Encouraging families to actively support breastfeeding mothers.
- Protection Against Formula Marketing: Calling for measures to prevent aggressive promotion of formula milk that can undermine breastfeeding confidence.
- Investment in Breastfeeding Programs: Increasing resources dedicated to breastfeeding initiatives.
This year's theme, "Breastfeeding for a sustainable start in life: Strengthen what works," underscores the need to reinforce existing successful strategies to ensure every child benefits from breastfeeding.
