World Breastfeeding Week is observed yearly from August 1 to 7, with the goal of encouraging breastfeeding and improving the health of newborns worldwide. Originally, roughly 70 nations observed the week; however, it is now observed by 170 countries.
The event marks the signing of the Innocenti Declaration in August 1990 by government officials, WHO, UNICEF, and other organisations to preserve, promote, and encourage breastfeeding. Breastfed children are more intellectually and physically robust, according to the WHO. Furthermore, their odds of being overweight, obese, and predisposed to diabetes are lower than those who are not. Breast milk is the greatest nourishment for newborn newborns because it includes antibodies that help prevent a variety of common paediatric diseases.
World Breastfeeding Week’s theme this year is ‘Step Up for Breastfeeding: Educate and Support.’
World Breastfeeding Week has been celebrated since 1992 and includes annual themes such as healthcare systems and women. In 2016, the week aligned its mission with the Sustainable Development Goals (S.D.G.s) and began promoting various strategies to encourage breastfeeding. During the week, all communication platforms inform people on the issue and the interesting history surrounding breastfeeding that many are unaware of.
Here are 5 important facts about Breastfeeding:
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It affects a child’s sleep patterns
Breast milk makes babies sleepy
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There are hormones in breast milk
Breast milk contains prolactin and oxytocin.
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It reduces the risk of illnesses
It is thought that women who breastfeed are less likely to get breast cancer.
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Certain risks are lowered
The risk of infant death syndrome is reduced.
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Breast milk and the body
It consumes 25% of the body’s energy.
Breastfeeding can help new mom’s in following ways:
- Promotes faster postpartum weight loss by burning 500 additional calories daily to create and maintain a milk supply
- Causes the uterus to contract and shrink back to normal size
- Reduced possibility of postpartum haemorrhage
- Lessened risk of urinary tract infections
- Reduced risk of breast or ovarian cancer
- Lowered risk of rheumatoid arthritis and lupus
- Breastfeeding causes the naturally calming chemicals oxytocin and prolactin to be produced, which promotes stress reduction and happy sentiments in the nursing mother
- Physical and emotional bonding between mother and child is strengthened. Breastfeeding encourages more skin-to-skin contact, as well as more holding and stroking. Many people believe that loving connection during childhood helps prevent social and behavioural difficulties in children and adults
