World Breastfeeding Week (WBW) is an annual celebration held every year from 1 to 7 August in more than 120 countries. It is an opportunity to celebrate and promote the benefits of breastfeeding for both infants and mothers. The theme for 2024 “Closing the Gap: Breastfeeding Support for All” is particularly relevant for India, where the need to address disparities in breastfeeding support is critical. Undernutrition is associated with 45% of child deaths and only about 44% of infants 0–6 months old are exclusively breastfed globally.In India, the Gaps in breastfeeding practices vary significantly based on socioeconomic status, geographic location, cultural norms, and societal stigma. Other significant disparities are Healthcare System Gaps and workplace Challenges like lack of breastfeeding facilities, insufficient maternity leave policies, etc.
Addressing these disparities is essential for improving overall health outcomes and achieving equitable maternal and child health. Breastfeeding is widely recognized as the gold standard for infant nutrition. Breastmilk is the ideal food for infants. It is safe, clean and contains antibodies that help protect against many common childhood illnesses. It is also linked to reduced risks of chronic conditions such as obesity, diabetes, and cardiovascular diseases later in life. Breastfeeding improves IQ, school attendance, and is associated with higher income in adult life.For mothers, breastfeeding offers several health benefits, including reduced risks of breast and ovarian cancers, improved postpartum recovery, and enhanced emotional bonding with their baby. Moreover, breastfeeding is a cost-effective way to nourish infants, reducing the economic burden of formula feeding on families and health systems.
Improving child development and reducing health costs through breastfeeding results in economic gains for individual families as well as at the national level.WHO and UNICEF recommend early initiation of breastfeeding within 1 hour of birth, exclusive breastfeeding for the first 6 months of life, and introduction of nutritionally adequate and safe complementary (solid) foods at 6 months together with continued breastfeeding up to 2 years of age, or beyond.
In recent years, India has made strides in promoting breastfeeding through various initiatives like Government Programs-The National Health Mission (NHM), Baby-Friendly Hospital Initiative (BFHI) ensuring that mothers receive the necessary support to initiate and sustain breastfeeding, Public Awareness Campaigns to educate families about the benefits of breastfeeding and dispel myths and Workplace Policies including lactation breaks and designated breastfeeding rooms.World Breastfeeding Week 2024 provides a vital opportunity for India to address and close the gap in breastfeeding support. By focusing on the theme “Closing the Gap: Breastfeeding Support for All,” the country can work towards ensuring that every mother has access to the resources and support she needs to successfully breastfeed her child. Through comprehensive education, community engagement, policy advocacy, and targeted interventions, India can make significant strides in improving breastfeeding practices and contribute to a healthier, more resilient world.
