Every year from August 1 to 7, World Breastfeeding Week (SMLM) is celebrated, established by the WHO and UNICEF to protect, promote and support breastfeeding, due to the innumerable benefits it brings to the health of the mother and the baby, and coordinated by the World Breastfeeding Alliance (WABA).
We share with you this year’s motto, as well as the goals of World Breastfeeding Week 2020 and some tips on how you can participate.
Motto of World Breastfeeding Week 2020
This year, the theme for World Breastfeeding Week is: “Support breastfeeding for a healthy planet” , highlighting the links between breastfeeding and the health of the planet, as well as the impact of infant feeding on the environment. environment:
” The interrelation between people and the planet requires the search for sustainable solutions that benefit both. We can reduce carbon emissions and ecological impact starting with how we feed our babies .
Breastfeeding is one of the best investments to save childhood lives and improve the health, social and economic development of individuals and nations. The protection, promotion and support of breastfeeding are important strategies that need the collaboration of actors within and outside the breastfeeding movement. “
Goals of World Breastfeeding Week 2020
The objectives of World Breastfeeding Week 2020 are four:
- Inform people about the relationship between breastfeeding and the environment / climate change.
- Anchor breastfeeding as a climate-smart decision.
- Engage with individuals and organizations for greater impact.
- Promote actions to improve the health of the planet and people through breastfeeding.
Breastfeeding is an excellent example of the deep connection between human health and nature’s ecosystems, as it is natural, renewable, and environmentally safe .
Without a doubt, it is one of the best investments to save the lives of many children and improve the health and socioeconomic development of individuals and nations . Therefore, it is important to create environments conducive to optimal practice of infant and young child feeding, through the protection, promotion and support of breastfeeding.
The World Health Organization and Unicer again share the following recommendations for optimal feeding of infants and young children :
- Early initiation of breastfeeding, within the first hour after birth.
- Exclusive breastfeeding for the first six months of life.
- Continued breastfeeding up to two years of age or more, with the incorporation of nutritionally adequate complementary solid foods.
How to participate in World Breastfeeding Week
WABA shares some tips and advice on how we can all get involved and participate in SMLM:
- Share on your social media platforms your experiences about breastfeeding and the support needed during the COVID-19 pandemic, as well as your ideas and opinions on the links between breastfeeding and the environment and / or climate change.
- Let’s get informed and participate in the physical and / or virtual activities of the SMLM.
- Follow the World Breastfeeding Week website, as well as social media platforms (Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram) for more activity ideas and updates.
More information | World Breastfeeding Week 2020
Photo | iStock
In Babies and more | Breastfeeding for six months would help curb climate change and save more than 100 kg of CO2 per baby, Breastfeeding could prevent 800,000 infant deaths and 22,000 deaths from breast cancer, Prolonging breastfeeding would save millions euros to the health system
