World Breastfeeding Week 2024: Dates, Theme, History, Benefits, and Quotes

World Breastfeeding Week is celebrated globally in over 120 countries from August 1 to August 7. Breastfeeding is crucial for the sustainable development of children as it improves nutrition, ensures food security, and reduces inequality both globally and locally. Nursing a child until the age of two helps prevent all forms of child malnutrition, including wasting and obesity. Additionally, breastfeeding acts as a baby’s first vaccine, protecting them from various common childhood illnesses.

History of World Breastfeeding Week

First observed in 1992, World Breastfeeding Week commemorates the Innocenti Declaration signed in August 1990. This declaration, endorsed by government officials, the World Health Organization, UNICEF, and other organisations, aims to protect, promote, and support breastfeeding. The primary goals of this week are to raise awareness about the benefits of breastfeeding, support and encourage the practice, and improve the health of mothers and babies worldwide.

Theme for 2024

Each year, the World Alliance for Breastfeeding Action (WABA) selects a new theme for World Breastfeeding Week. The theme for 2024 is "Closing the Gap: Breastfeeding Support for All." This campaign emphasises the importance of support from families, communities, societies, and healthcare professionals for breastfeeding mothers. It celebrates the diversity of breastfeeding journeys and highlights the ways to support all mothers.

Benefits and Importance of Breastfeeding

World Breastfeeding Week highlights the significance of breastfeeding as an essential means of providing optimal nutrition and immunity to newborns. Breast milk contains all the nutrients a baby needs, along with antibodies, enzymes, and other critical components that protect against illnesses and infections. For mothers, breastfeeding strengthens the mother-child bond, aids postpartum recovery, and lowers the risk of breast and ovarian cancer.

Throughout the week, various events, seminars, and workshops are organised to address the challenges faced by mothers and increase awareness about the benefits of breastfeeding. These events also emphasise the need for supportive policies, accommodating employers, and a culture that encourages and accepts breastfeeding.

Askari Jaffer

“It’s such a beautiful journey, and it doesn’t last long.” – Wholistic Momma

“Breastfeeding is a mother’s gift to herself, her baby, and the earth.” – Pamela K Wiggins

“Bottles fill his stomach, but breastfeeding fills his soul.” – Diane Wiessinger, IBCLC

“Don’t cry over spilled milk. Unless it’s breast milk, in which case, cry a lot.”

“Nursing gives you superhuman powers. How else could I be doing all this when I’m usually a sleepaholic?”

World Breastfeeding Week 2024 aims to promote the importance of breastfeeding and support all mothers in their breastfeeding journeys.