3 weeks ago
Breastfeeding: a small act that gives a lifetime of health
Breastfeeding is when a baby drinks milk from its mother's body.
Breast milk is like a perfect food because it has everything a baby needs to grow.
It also has special helpers called antibodies that fight off germs.
Because of this, breastfed babies get sick less often.
Doctors say babies should have only breast milk for the first six months.
In the first six months, babies do not even need water to drink.
After six months, babies can start eating other soft foods while still breastfeeding.
Breastfeeding also helps mothers stay healthy and feel close to their babies.
Sometimes mothers need help with breastfeeding, and doctors or nurses can show them what to do.
When families and workplaces support mothers, every baby can get the healthiest possible start in life.
World Breastfeeding Week, observed annually from August 1–7, highlights breastfeeding as a public health intervention that saves lives and strengthens immunity.
Health experts recommend exclusive breastfeeding for the first six months, followed by nutritious complementary foods while breastfeeding continues up to two years of age or beyond.
Breast milk provides complete nutrition and antibodies that reduce the risk of diarrhoea, pneumonia, ear infections, obesity, diabetes, and certain allergies in babies.
Breastfeeding also benefits mothers by lowering the risk of breast cancer, ovarian cancer, type 2 diabetes, and heart disease, and by reducing postpartum bleeding.
Common challenges such as low milk supply, sore nipples, or latching difficulties can be managed with professional guidance, while family help and workplace policies like lactation rooms support mothers.
- Who
- Mothers, babies, families, healthcare professionals, and employers.
- What
- World Breastfeeding Week promotes breastfeeding as a public health intervention and recommends exclusive breastfeeding for the first six months of life.
- Where
- A global observance; the article was authored by a program director at Aster CMI Hospital, Bangalore.
- When
- August 1–7, observed annually.
- Why
- Breastfeeding provides complete nutrition and immune protection for babies and lowers long-term disease risks for both babies and mothers.
Key facts
- Event
- World Breastfeeding Week
- Dates
- August 1–7, annually
- Exclusive breastfeeding period
- First six months of life
- Complementary foods introduced
- After six months, with breastfeeding continuing up to two years or beyond
- Benefits for babies
- Reduced risk of diarrhoea, pneumonia, ear infections, obesity, diabetes, and certain allergies
- Benefits for mothers
- Lower risk of breast cancer, ovarian cancer, type 2 diabetes, and heart disease
- Common challenges
- Low milk supply, painful feeding, sore nipples, and latching difficulties
- Workplace support
- Flexible breaks, private lactation rooms, and safe milk storage facilities
Sources
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