JABAR EKSPRES — World Breastfeeding Week is an annual global celebration held from August 1st to 7th to raise awareness and promote the importance of breastfeeding for the health and well-being of infants and mothers alike.
This initiative, coordinated by the World Alliance for Breastfeeding Action (WABA), brings together individuals, organizations, and governments to advocate, support, and protect breastfeeding practices worldwide.
Breastfeeding is a natural and essential way of providing optimal nutrition to infants during the early stages of life. It offers a multitude of benefits that not only enhance the child’s health but also contribute to the well-being of mothers.
Breast milk is a complete source of nutrition, rich in antibodies, essential nutrients, and enzymes that boost the baby’s immune system, protecting them from a range of infections and illnesses. It plays a crucial role in reducing infant mortality rates, as breastfed babies are less susceptible to various diseases, such as respiratory infections, diarrhea, and allergies.
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Apart from the physical benefits, breastfeeding also fosters an emotional and psychological bond between the mother and the child. The intimate skin-to-skin contact during breastfeeding promotes feelings of security, comfort, and love, laying the foundation for a strong mother-infant attachment. This bond established during breastfeeding nurtures the baby’s emotional development and lays the groundwork for healthy relationships in the future.
World Breastfeeding Week serves as a platform to address the challenges and barriers that prevent optimal breastfeeding practices. Many mothers face difficulties in initiating or sustaining breastfeeding due to various factors, such as lack of knowledge and support, workplace constraints, and societal stigmas.
By promoting breastfeeding-friendly policies and practices, governments and organizations can empower mothers to make informed choices and provide the necessary support for successful breastfeeding journeys.
It is essential to recognize that breastfeeding is not solely the responsibility of mothers. Partners, families, healthcare professionals, and communities play a crucial role in creating an enabling environment for breastfeeding.