World Breastfeeding Awareness Week 2022

Did you know that breastfeeding has many benefits for both the mother and the newborn? Yes, this is true. WHO (World Health Organization) has declared that breastfeeding has great importance for mothers to protect them from breast cancer, diabetes, and other major health issues.

Awareness of Breastfeeding Benefits for Mothers and Newborn

We all know that breastfeeding is a significant source of nutrition for newborns. Apart from this, new mothers must be aware that breastfeeding benefits do not stop here. It has many extended and untold benefits for mothers and children. Awareness about breastfeeding is important for both mother and her newborn baby. In this context, World Breastfeeding Week (WBW) has come into existence to promote breastfeeding as a healthier solution for both newborn babies and mothers to protect them from infections and diseases.

When is World Breastfeeding Week (WBW) 2022 Observed?

Every August month is dedicated to the Breastfeeding Awareness Campaign which is very important for spreading the importance of Breastfeeding. World Breastfeeding Week (WBW) is celebrated in the first week of August which starts from the 1st week of August till the 7th week of August. There is an annual campaign every August for global awareness to promote the World Breastfeeding Week (WBW) campaign.

The Theme of World Breastfeeding Week (WBW) 2022

The theme of World Breastfeeding Week (WBW) 2022- is “Step Up For Breastfeeding – Educate & Support.”

World Breastfeeding Week (WBW) History and Significance

World Breastfeeding Week (WBW) commenced in the year 1990. The first initiative for World Breastfeeding Week (WBW) was put forth by two major organizations – WHO (World Health Organization) and UNICEF (United Nations International Children Emergency Fund). This was further supported by WABA (World Alliance for Breastfeeding Action) which came into existence in 1991.

The World Breastfeeding Week (WBW) Campaign was first started and observed in the year 1992. This is how World Breastfeeding Week (WBW) came into existence for promotion all over the world.

A total of 70 countries were used to observe and spread awareness about World Breastfeeding Week (WBW). Later, it was observed throughout the world between 1st – 7th August 2022 to promote the good health of mothers and babies. Currently, 170 countries around the world have joined hands to celebrate World Breastfeeding Week (WBW).

This entire week is dedicated to promoting breastfeeding and is celebrated as World Breastfeeding Week (WBW) around the globe.

Benefits of Breastfeeding

Breastfeeding holds equal importance for both mother and child. It helps in the overall development of the newborn baby and helps to build an emotional connection with the infant. Breastfeeding has several advantages. Right from protecting the health of the baby to protecting the mother, there are numerous physical and mental benefits.

The benefits of breastfeeding for mother and child are as follows-

Benefits of Breastfeeding for Newborn

Mother’s milk is a good source of nutrition for the newborn
It helps to build a newborn’s immunity
It helps in creating a strong bond between the newborn baby and the mother.
Breast milk has many immunological factors to protect the baby from recurrent infections.
It helps protect the baby from SIDS (Sudden Infant Death Syndrome)
Babies who are breastfed are less likely to get any allergies such as asthma, GIT infections, or cough or cold.

Benefits of Breastfeeding for New Mothers

Breastfeeding helps in controlling hormonal imbalance in mothers.
It helps contract the uterus and controls bleeding with faster recovery.
It helps in weight loss which has been gained during pregnancy.
It lowers the risk of ovarian and breast cancer.
It controls high blood pressure and diabetes.
It helps in improving the emotional connection with the newborn baby.

For How Long Should I Breastfeed the Baby?

WHO (World Health Organization) and UNICEF (United Nations International Children Emergency Fund) recommendations say that an infant must be breastfed within an hour of birth and should be continued for 6 months. Some mothers continue to breastfeed their babies for 1 year for the complete overall development of the child and that is normal too.

So, let us go ahead and encourage breastfeeding for better health of both mother and the newborn baby.