Established in 1990, World Breastfeeding Week is observed August 1-7 of each year to promote awareness of the health and economic benefits associated with the practice. The WHO- and UNICEF-issued Innocenti Declaration appeals to governments to protect and encourage mothers' ability to breastfeed exclusively for the first six months of life, and in combination with other forms of feeding for longer. From the document:
Efforts should be made to increase women's confidence in their ability to breastfeed. Such empowerment involves the removal of constraints and influences that manipulate perceptions and behaviour towards breastfeeding, often by subtle and indirect means. This requires sensitivity, continued vigilance, and a responsive and comprehensive communications strategy involving all media and addressed to all levels of society. Furthermore, obstacles to breastfeeding within the health system, the workplace and the community must be eliminated.
Check out the infographics from the World Health Organization to educate parents, families, friends, and co-workers on how to support babies and their "mums" for an optimal breastfeeding experience.
Previously: Stanford expert discusses breastfeeding techniques, Breastfeeding: “Not only a lifestyle choice”, More breastfeeding support needed in hospitals, Surgeon general calls for more breastfeeding support and Breastfeeding called a “secret weapon to save billions of
dollars”
