Breastfeeding a baby is the most overwhelming experience for a mother and it is important for both mother and baby. Therefore the world celebrates breastfeeding week from August 1 to August 7 to raise awareness about the importance of breastfeeding.
According to the World Health Organisation, breastfeeding is one of the best ways to ensure the healthy life of a child. As per the experts, an infant must be breastfed for the first six months of his/ her life.
Breast milk is the important feed for a child for at least the first six months as breast milk contributes to the development of an immune system of the child. Breast milk is full of all important nutrients like water, fat, carbohydrates, protein, vitamins, amino acids.
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Breast milk not only benefits the child but also benefits the mother. Breastfeeding protects women from the risk of cancer.
However, many children do not get proper breastfeeding which results in an unhealthy life. As per the National Family Health Survey (NFHS-5) Finding, conducted in 2019-2020, in India 22 states and UTs showed a worrying trend in child feeding practices.
World Breastfeeding Week 2021: Theme
The theme for World Breastfeeding Week this year is – “Protect Breastfeeding: A Shared Responsibility.” Every year this week is celebrated under a theme and this year the theme focuses on how breastfeeding is important for the survival, well-being of the child and why it is important to protect breast milk globally.
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World Breastfeeding Week 2021: History
The Breastfeeding week was started in late 1979 when the WHO started a battle for baby products and breastfeeding. In 1990, the World Health Organisation (WHO) and United Children International Emergency Funds (UNICEF) created a memorandum to promote breastfeeding and in 1991, the World Association for Breastfeeding Action was formed to work on the goals and aims of the WHO and UNICEF.
In 1992, a whole week was dedicated to breastfeeding to raise awareness about the importance of breastfeeding for children and mothers.
Since 2016, Breastfeeding Week has been added to Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
Earlier, only 70 countries in the world use to celebrate the week but at present 170 countries have understood the importance of breastfeeding and celebrate the week.