The first week of August is World Breastfeeding week

In 2024, World Breastfeeding Week has coincided with the Olympic Games in Paris. Where for the first time, the International Olympic Committee set up a dedicated space for athletes who are also breastfeeding mothers.  You can read about some of the athletes' stories on the Olympics website https://olympics.com/en/news/breastfeeding-elite-sport-athlete-mothers-sharing-experiences

The WHO and UNICEF recommend breastfeeding immediately after birth, and exclusively for at least for the first 6mths but then continuing until the age of 2yrs supplemented with complementary foods. This highlights the importance of this year's theme for World Breastfeeding Week: 'Closing the gap: Breastfeeding support for all'. For a baby to be successfully breastfed a mother needs to be supported; by their family, by their community, by their employer, and by their government. To achieve that we all need to advocate for adequate pre- and post-natal care, Universal Health Coverage, and welcoming spaces for mothers to breastfeed, like the one at the Olympic Village. We also need to advocate not just for protected maternity leave but, for adequate family leave for those who are supporting a breastfeeding mother.

Percent of countries with recommended policies to protect, promote, and support breastfeeding from UNICEF Global Breastfeeding Scorecard 2023

We can all participate in creating a universal healthy environment where breastfeeding parents have access to nutritious healthy food and feel comfortable breastfeeding by advocating to improve their positions and conditions at home, at work, and in public life.

To learn more about support different community, societal, and health systems levels can offer for breastfeeding journies watch this webinar from PAHO and UNICEF

Written by: Rachel Barker

Reviewed by: Ela Augustyniak