World Breastfeeding Week Quick Facts

Event NameWorld Breastfeeding Week ()
Event Started01 August 1992
Event LevelInternational Day
Observed byUNICEF

World Breastfeeding Week Brief

World Breastfeeding Week is celebrated every year in the first week of August (August 01 to August 07) in more than 170 countries to improve the health of children and encourage breastfeeding around the world.

World Breastfeeding Week History

World Breastfeeding Week was first observed in 1992 by the World Alliance for Breastfeeding Action (WABA) and is now celebrated in over 120 countries including UNICEF, WHO and their partners, individuals, organizations and governments. WABA was formed on 14 February 1991 with the goal of re-establishing a global breastfeeding culture and providing support for breastfeeding everywhere.

World Breastfeeding Week Objective

The purpose of this day is to highlight the importance of breastfeeding and spread awareness among the people. Breastfeeding is considered to be the cornerstone of better health of the baby. It is worth noting that the Union Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, Government of India has started the program 'MAA: Mother's Absolute Affection' at the national level to promote breastfeeding.

World Breastfeeding Week Theme(s)

  • The theme of World Breastfeeding Week 2021 is "Protect breastfeeding: a shared responsibility".
  • Theme of World Breastfeeding Week 2020 - "Support breastfeeding for a healthier planet"
  • World Breastfeeding Week 2019 Theme - "Empower Parents, Enable Breastfeeding."
  • Theme of World Breastfeeding Week 2018 - "Breastfeeding - Foundations of Life"
  • Theme of World Breastfeeding Week 2017 - "Sustaining Breastfeeding Together"
  • The theme of World Breastfeeding Week 2016 is "Breastfeeding: A Way to Sustainable Development".

More info about World Breastfeeding Week

Benefits of Breastfeeding for the baby:

  • Breast milk contains sufficient amount of proteins, fats, calories, lactose, vitamins, iron, minerals, water and enzymes required by the baby.
  • Mother's milk is quick and easy to digest.
  • It increases the immunity of the child, which protects him from many types of infections in the future.
  • It plays an important role in the development of the child's brain.
  • It is economical and free from infection.
  • Breastfeeding enhances the emotional bond between the baby and the mother.

Social Benefit:

  • Breastfeeding lowers the mortality/death ratio in children.
  • Breastfed babies develop a good immune system and are able to avoid many deadly diseases. This results in a reduction in the health budget.

    • Other essential information about Breastfeeding:

    • Mother's milk is the best and complete nutritional food for the baby.
    • Breastfeeding is the best natural way to feed the baby.
    • The WHO (World Health Organization) has recommended that mother's milk containing yellow and thick colostrum is the best diet for a newborn baby. The baby should start breastfeeding within 1 hour immediately after birth.
    • The baby must be breastfed till the age of 6 months.
    • The baby should not be given any commercial milk such as dry milk or artificial food, drinks or even water needed for the baby in the first six months.
    • Breastfeeding should continue even if the child or mother is ill.
    • The mother should continue to breastfeed for 2 years or more.
    • Drinking bottle milk can be harmful for your baby. This could be the cause of loose stools in your baby.
    • The baby should start giving solid food from the age of 6 months.
    • Do not smoke or consume alcohol during breastfeeding. This can be harmful to "you and your baby."
    • Maintain proper hygiene before or after breastfeeding.
    • Breastfeed the baby as needed or 8 times in 24 hours.

    Important Days of August Month - (National Days and International Days):

    Day Event Name - Event Level
    06 AugustHiroshima Day - International Day
    10 AugustDengue prevention day - International Day
    12 AugustWorld Elephant Day - International Day
    12 AugustInternational Youth Day - International Day
    13 AugustWorld Organ Donation Day - International Day
    15 AugustIndependence Day: India - National Day
    19 AugustWorld Photography Day - International Day
    20 AugustWorld Mosquito Day - International Day
    20 AugustGoodwill Day - National Day
    26 AugustInternational Women's Equality Day - International Day
    29 AugustNational Sports Day - National Day
    30 AugustInternational Small Industry Day - International Day
    31 AugustWorld Sanskrit Day - International Day
    अगस्त माह का पहला रविवार of AugustInternational Friendship Day - International Day
    अगस्त माह का पहला सप्ताह of AugustWorld Breastfeeding Week - International Day

    World Breastfeeding Week FAQs:

    World Breastfeeding Week is observed every year on अगस्त माह का पहला सप्ताह August.

    Yes, World Breastfeeding Week is an International Day that is celebrated every year on August all over the World.

    World Breastfeeding Week started on 01 August 1992.

    World Breastfeeding Week is observed every year by UNICEF.

      Last update :  Tue 28 Jun 2022
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      Post Category :  Important Days of August