National Breastfeeding Week, celebrated from August 1 to August 7 annually, is a global initiative to emphasize the importance of breastfeeding for the health and survival of babies worldwide. This observance was initiated in response to concerns over rising infant mortality rates that could be inversely related to declining breastfeeding practices.
According to the “Convention on the Rights of the Child,” every infant and child has the right to good nutrition. The World Health Organization (WHO) underscores breastfeeding as one of the most effective ways to ensure child health and survival. For instance, exclusively breastfed infants for the first six months have a lower chance of dying from conditions such as neonatal infections, diarrhea, and sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS) compared to non-breastfed infants.
Breastfeeding statistics vary globally, but the World Health Organization (WHO) recommends exclusive breastfeeding for the first six months of life. In the United States, around 60% of babies are breastfed for six months, yet about 25% are exclusively breastfed as recommended for this period. Meanwhile, only about 42% of infants 0–6 months old are exclusively breastfed globally. The benefits of breastfeeding for both infants and mothers are significant, yet many regions fall short of the WHO’s recommendations due to various challenges and a lack of support for breastfeeding mothers.
A study highlighted in The Lancet emphasizes the importance of breastfeeding beyond personal health benefits, noting its role in significantly reducing infant and child morbidity and mortality worldwide. The research supports that optimal breastfeeding practices can lead to a considerable reduction in post-perinatal infant deaths.
Proper breastfeeding practices can prevent undernutrition, ensure food security in times of crisis, and bolster economies by reducing healthcare costs associated with formula feeding. Some effective breastfeeding practices include:
Efforts to improve breastfeeding practices involve providing support to mothers through various means. At Maryvale, our community-based services offer guidance such as counseling and parental education for single mothers through our housing program, Seton House. Ensuring breastfeeding-friendly health facilities and work environments is also encouraged.
The successful implementation of these practices is significantly responsive to supportive interventions. Complementary feeding involves giving infants foods in addition to breast milk to meet their growing nutritional requirements. The complementary foods should be appropriate, meaning they are safe, adequately nutritious, and given in the right consistency and amount.
Breastfeeding practices are also reinforced by initiatives like WHO’s Baby-Friendly Hospital Initiative (BFHI), which promotes breastfeeding through maternity and newborn services. Hospitals and healthcare systems are encouraged to implement the “Ten Steps to Successful Breastfeeding,” which includes practices such as skin-to-skin contact, rooming-in, and not providing pacifiers or artificial nipples to breastfeeding infants.
Families may choose any or a combination of these feeding options for various reasons, including personal, medical, and social factors. Each option carries its own set of considerations, and families should decide on the best method that suits their situation, often with guidance from healthcare professionals.
It’s always recommended to try and make an informed choice and access breastfeeding support if needed since breastfeeding has significant health benefits for both the infant and the mother. However, it’s also essential to recognize that some mothers may be unable to breastfeed or choose not to for personal reasons, and they should be supported in making the best feeding choice for their infants and themselves.