World Breastfeeding Week 2023: Date, Theme, History & Significance

World Breastfeeding Week 2023: Date, Theme, History & Significance

World Breastfeeding Week (WBW) is an annual event celebrated around the world from 1-7 August. The goal of WBW is to increase awareness of the benefits of breastfeeding for babies, mothers, and society as a whole.

Date and Theme

World Breastfeeding Week 2023 will be held from Tuesday, 1 August to Monday, 7 August. The theme for this year is "Enabling breastfeeding: making a difference for working parents." This theme was chosen because workplace challenges remain the most common reason for women to never breastfeed or to stop breastfeeding earlier than recommended.

History

World Breastfeeding Week was first celebrated in 1992 by the World Alliance for Breastfeeding Action (WABA). WABA is a non-governmental organization that works to promote breastfeeding worldwide.

Significance

Breastfeeding is a natural and healthy way to feed babies. It provides babies with all the nutrients they need for their first six months of life. Breastfeeding also has many benefits for mothers, including reducing the risk of postpartum depression, obesity, and type 2 diabetes.

In addition to the health benefits, breastfeeding also has economic benefits for families and societies. Breastfeeding can save families money on formula and other feeding supplies. It can also help mothers return to work sooner after childbirth.

How to Celebrate World Breastfeeding Week

There are many ways to celebrate World Breastfeeding Week. You can:

• Learn more about the benefits of breastfeeding.
• Talk to your friends and family about the importance of breastfeeding.
• Support organizations that promote breastfeeding.
• Breastfeeding your own baby!