Support breastfeeding for a healthier planet!
World Breastfeeding Week 2020 will focus on the impact of infant feeding on the environment/climate change and the imperative to protect, promote and support breastfeeding for the health of the planet and its people.
OBJECTIVES OF #WBW2020
• INFORM people about the links between breastfeeding and the environment/climate change.
• ANCHOR breastfeeding as a climate-smart decision
• ENGAGE with individuals and organisations for greater impact.
• GALVANISE action on improving the health of the planet and people through breastfeeding.
World Alliance for Breastfeeding Action (WABA) is a global network of individuals and organisations dedicated to the protection, promotion and support of breastfeeding. Annually, WABA coordinates and organises the World Breastfeeding Week between 1 to 7 August.
Why breastfeeding is important for mum
From the very first feed you are creating a lasting bond with your baby, and giving him a feeling of comfort and security through skin to skin contact. Not only is breastfeeding free, but breastmilk is ready on demand at just the right temperature, without the need to sterilise bottles or carry around a bag of kit when out and about. And then there are some important ways that breastfeeding is good for mother, too…
Skin to skin contact and the suckling of your baby at the breast immediately after birth encourages the release of oxytocin (the ‘love hormone’), which sends a signal to your breasts to release milk to your baby. Oxytocin also encourages your uterus to contract, to prevent haemorrhaging and begin to return to its pre-pregnancy size.
Studies have shown breastfeeding provides advantages for mothers, including some protection against:
• Premenopausal breast cancer
• Developing type II diabetes in the longer term
• Ovarian cancer – curiously, if you develop mastitis, your body produces factors which appear to reduce your risk of developing ovarian cancer
• Osteoporosis in later life
Why breastfeeding is important for your baby
Your breastmilk is the only food designed specifically for your baby. It changes as he grows, to suit his needs. There are both short and long term benefits for your baby if you breastfeed exclusively for the recommended time of six months.
• Breastfed babies have fewer and less severe upper and lower respiratory tract infections.
• Ear infections are 3 to 4 times more common in infants who are not breastfed.
• Breastmilk has factors which protect against urinary tract infections.
• Breastfed babies are less likely to suffer from diarrhoea and gastroenteritis.
• Constipation is much more common in formula fed infants.
• Breastfed babies respond better to vaccines, as their immune system is more mature.
• Breastfeeding is protective against SIDS, especially exclusive breastfeeding.
• Breastmilk contains vital substances to help the development of your baby’s brain, retina and central nervous system, as well as growth factors and hormones.
• Stem calls in breastmilk are thought to play a role in normal growth and development and may have an important functional role later in life.
For more information visit www.worldbreastfeedingweek.org.