World Breastfeeding Week is a special time each year when the entire world comes together to celebrate the remarkable bond between mother and baby through breastfeeding. Launched in 1992, this week-long event highlights the importance of providing every mother with the encouragement and assistance she needs for breastfeeding. It is a powerful act that not only nourishes babies but also offers profound health benefits for mothers. Through this blog and by highlighting the immense benefits of breastfeeding, We at The Mom Store aims to underscore the collective support to make breastfeeding as fulfilling and successful as possible with our range of breastfeeding essentials for new mother’s.
All About International Breastfeeding Week
Kicking off in 1992, World Breastfeeding Week has become a cherished global event, celebrated every year from August 1st to 7th in over 120 countries. This week-long celebration honours the Innocenti Declaration, signed in August 1990 by government policymakers like WHO, UNICEF, and other organisations. All these institutions united in their mission to protect, promote, and support breastfeeding.
The essence of World Breastfeeding Week is to shine the spotlight on the incredible benefits of breastfeeding. It’s all about encouraging and promoting this natural practice to boost the health of babies and mothers around the world.
In fact, if nearly every mother breastfed, we could save over 700,000 lives every year, with most of these being children under six months old. Breastfeeding doesn’t just benefit babies; it also helps mothers by reducing their risk of breast cancer, ovarian cancer, type 2 diabetes, and heart disease. Increased breastfeeding could help prevent approximately 20,000 maternal deaths each year from breast cancer alone.
World Breastfeeding Week Theme For 2024
The World Breastfeeding Week theme this year is "Closing the Gap: Breastfeeding Support for All.” It aims to celebrate the diverse journeys of breastfeeding mothers everywhere. This campaign highlights the crucial role families, communities, and health workers play in supporting every breastfeeding mom, ensuring they have the encouragement and assistance they need throughout their journey. Join us in honouring and uplifting breastfeeding moms, showcasing the collective support that makes their journeys successful and enriching.
Understanding The Benefits Of Breastfeeding For Mother And Baby
If you are wondering ‘why is breastfeeding recommended during the initial stages of infant growth’, hear us out.
Benefits Of Breastfeeding For Infants:
In light of this breastfeeding awareness week, let us take a look at the benefits of breastfeeding for mothers and babies that will truly blow your mind:
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Helps In Disease Prevention
Breastfeeding lowers the risk of diarrhoea, vomiting, and respiratory infections such as pneumonia, whooping cough, ear infections, bacterial meningitis, and asthma in infants. It also decreases the risk of celiac disease and inflammatory bowel disease (IBD).
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Promotes Better Infant Health
Breastfed infants have lower hospitalisation rates and better overall health. This results in fewer trips to the paediatrician due to sickness.
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Breast milk Is A Powerhouse Of Nutrients
Breast milk provides a unique blend of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. It is easy to digest for an immature tummy and contains antibodies that protect against infections and boost immunity.
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It Promotes Healthy Weight Gain
Another noteworthy importance of breastfeeding is that it provides the right balance of fat, sugar, water, protein, and vitamins for development, thereby promoting healthy weight gain. In fact, the milk composition changes over time to meet the baby's evolving nutritional needs.
Benefits Of Breastfeeding For Mothers
Take a look at these Breastfeeding benefits for moms:
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Keeps A Number Of Health Problems At Bay
Breastfeeding lowers the risk of breast, ovarian, endometrial, and thyroid cancers. It also reduces the chances of osteoporosis, type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease, high blood pressure, and high cholesterol in mothers.
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It Protects Your Mental Health As Well
Another outstanding benefit of breastfeeding is that it lowers the risk of postpartum depression if breastfeeding is going well and family support is available.
Breastfeeding boosts quick recovery from childbirth. This can be credited to the release of a hormone called oxytocin during breastfeeding, which helps the uterus contract and reduces vaginal bleeding.
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Reinforces Your Bond With Your Child
Breastfeeding your little one increases physical and emotional bonding, which fosters a unique connection with the baby. This can also help in reducing social and behavioural problems in both children and adults.
When we talk about the benefits of breastfeeding for mothers, convenience definitely takes centre stage. This is because you can breastfeed anywhere without the need for bottles or formula preparation. This is hands down a more affordable option for feeding your baby in the long run.
Ah! This will sound like music to your ears, mama. Breastfeeding burns calories, potentially aiding in post-pregnancy weight loss. However, to lose weight one must also be careful about their calorie intake, physical activity, and sleep quality.
Understanding and Managing Breastfeeding Challenges
Breastfeeding is a beautiful bonding experience, but it's not uncommon to face some breastfeeding challenges along the way. Let us try to understand and manage common breastfeeding problems.
Sore or cracked nipples often result from improper positioning of your baby at the breast. Getting the latch right can help address and alleviate discomfort.
One of the most common concerns of new moms is that their baby might not be getting enough milk. To boost your milk supply, offer both breasts at each feed and keep your baby close for skin-to-skin contact. If you still feel that your milk supply isn’t appropriate, try talking to your healthcare provider.
Breast engorgement happens when your breasts become overly full of milk, making them hard, tight, and painful. To manage this, we suggest you feed frequently and take proper breast care. Breast engorgement should not be ignored as it can also lead to blocked milk ducts, Mastitis or even breast abscess.
Getting the latch right is very important for comfortable breastfeeding and effective milk transfer. If you are experiencing pain or your baby seems unsatisfied after feeding, your baby might not be latching correctly. Learning the correct latching technique can make a big difference.
Tongue tie is a condition where the frenulum (the tissue fold under the tongue) is shorter than usual. It can make breastfeeding challenging for some babies. While it might not bother every baby, it can affect breastfeeding if it restricts tongue movement. The good news is that tongue tie is easily treatable.
How The Mom Store Is Supporting New Mom Navigate Through Breastfeeding Journey With Ease
The Mom Store is all about making the journey of motherhood easier and a lot more enjoyable. From our cosy nursing covers that provide comfort and privacy to versatile breast pumps designed for ease or chic maternity dresses that make you feel fabulous, we are here to make you feel your best through your breastfeeding journey and beyond.
We understand that the path of motherhood can be challenging, but with the right support and resources, it becomes a journey filled with joy and connection. As we mark World Breastfeeding Week 2024, let's remember the incredible benefits of breastfeeding for both mother and baby and the importance of overcoming the common challenges that may arise. From enhancing infant health to providing long-term benefits for mothers, breastfeeding is truly a gift that keeps giving. The Mom Store is here to help you make your breastfeeding journey as smooth and enjoyable as possible. Three cheers to celebrating every breastfeeding mom and the remarkable strength and love she brings to her baby’s life.
FAQS On International Breastfeeding Week
1. When is Breastfeeding Week 2024?
World Breastfeeding Week 2024 will be celebrated from August 1st to 7th. It’s an annual global event to highlight the importance of breastfeeding and provide support to mothers around the world.
2. Why do we celebrate World Breastfeeding Week?
We celebrate World Breastfeeding Week to recognize and promote the important role breastfeeding plays in the health and well-being of both mothers and babies. Besides the benefits of breastfeeding, International Breastfeeding Week also raises awareness about the challenges mothers face and emphasises the need for strong support systems.
3. What are the benefits of breastfeeding for child development?
Breastfeeding is incredibly beneficial for a child's development.
- It provides essential nutrients and antibodies that boost immunity
- It helps protect against infections and diseases.
- Breastfeeding promotes healthy weight gain and many more reasons.
4. What are the major breastfeeding challenges for every working mother?
Working mothers face unique breastfeeding challenges like:
- Balancing work and breastfeeding schedules
- Finding time and space to pump
- Managing milk supply