World Breastfeeding Week

World Breastfeeding Week (WBW) is celebrated every year from 1 to 7 August, while in Greece it is celebrated from 1 to 7 November, 1996. It is supported by organizations such as the World Alliance Breastfeeding (WABA), the World Health Organization (WHO) and UNICEF to raise awareness of breastfeeding issues.

This year, the message of Breastfeeding Week is: “Support breastfeeding for a healthier planet!”, i.e. “We support breastfeeding for a healthier planet!“. Campaign #WBW2020 focuses on the impact of infant nutrition on the environment and climate change, emphasizing the urgent need to protect and support breastfeeding to improve global health.

In addition, WHO and UNICEF call on governments to promote women’s access to breastfeeding counseling so that new mothers receive adequate information and psychological support. Breastfeeding counseling can be provided by a variety of organizations, including health professionals and certified breastfeeding counselors. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, it is necessary to find various solutions so that there is flexibility in scheduling appointments, either through home visits or health facilities, in person or remotely.

Access to specialized breastfeeding counseling services can extend the months of breastfeeding but also promote exclusive breastfeeding, which is particularly important for the health of the baby and mother. According to the results of a recent analysis, exclusive breastfeeding could save the lives of 820,000 children each year and increase family income.

How important is breastfeeding?

Breastfeeding is a natural gift for the child, the breastfeeding mother offers her baby the best start to a healthy life! The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends exclusive breastfeeding for approximately 6 months, with continued breastfeeding for 1 year or more, a recommendation approved by the WHO and the Institute of Medicine. Studies have shown that infants who are breastfed for 4 months (instead of 6 months) are more likely to have health complications, such as gastrointestinal diseases, otitis media, respiratory diseases and atopic disease.

What are the effects of exclusive breastfeeding on the baby’s body?

In exclusive breastfeeding the baby receives only breast milk and nothing else, except vitamins, minerals or medicines.

Allergic disease

Exclusive breastfeeding for 3 to 4 months can reduce the incidence of clinical asthma, atopic dermatitis and eczema by 27% in a low-risk population and up to 42% in infants with a family history. There are conflicting findings that examine the addition of complementary foods after 4 months in relation to the increased risk of allergies. The introduction of solid foods in the baby’s diet after 6 months, has a protective effect regarding the development of allergies.

Diabetes

Research has shown that infants who are exclusively breastfed for at least 3 months are 30% less likely to develop type 1 diabetes because they avoid consuming cow’s milk protein. It is also reported that there is a 40% reduction in the risk of developing type 2 diabetes, a fact that is probably based on the positive effect of long-term breastfeeding on weight control and the regulation of the frequency of food consumption.

Celiac disease

Celiac disease is a chronic intestinal condition that occurs when you eat gluten-free foods. Studies show that the risk of developing celiac disease in breastfed babies is reduced by 52%. Therefore, it is recommended to gradually feed gluten-containing foods during breastfeeding.

Gastrointestinal infections

According to research, breastfeeding is associated with a 64% reduction in the development of gastrointestinal tract infections, while this positive effect lasts for about 2 months after cessation of breastfeeding.

Sources

World Breastfeeding Week 2020 Message

World Breastfeeding Week 2020

Breastfeeding and the Use of Human Milk

Full Breastfeeding Duration and Associated Decrease in Respiratory Tract Infection in US Children

Breastfeeding and maternal and infant health outcomes in developed countries