Nurturing the Bond: Celebrating World Breastfeeding Week and Its Impact on Motherhood.

World Breastfeeding Week is an annual celebration from August 1st to 7th worldwide, aiming to promote and support breastfeeding as a vital aspect of mother and child health. Initiated by the World Alliance for Breastfeeding Action (WABA) in 1992, this global campaign aims to raise awareness, as the World Health Organization(WHO)? states that breastfeeding is one of the most effective ways to ensure child health and survival. Its theme, "Enabling Breastfeeding: Making a Difference for Working Parents," shines a spotlight on the challenges faced by working mothers who wish to breastfeed their babies and the significant impact supportive workplace policies can have in promoting breastfeeding culture.

The statistics reveal that only 2 in 5 babies are put to the breast in the first hour of their lives, while three others are not breastfed in the first clock hour. In response to the escalating concern, the World Health Assembly (WHA) has set a target to raise the worldwide rate of exclusive breastfeeding to a minimum of 50% by 2025.

World Breastfeeding Week: History?

In 1990, the World Health Organization (WHO) and the United Nations International Children's Emergency Fund (UNICEF) collaborated to create a memorandum. Subsequently, in 1991, the World Alliance for Breastfeeding Action (WABA) was formed. To support this, World Breastfeeding Week was observed in 1992 to promote the campaign. In the beginning, around 70 countries used to commemorate the week, and now it is accepted and celebrated by 170 countries worldwide.

The working mother’s Dilemma?

For working parents, balancing the responsibilities of the workplace and their babies' needs can be a daunting task, especially when it comes to breastfeeding. The lack of supportive policies and facilities in the workplace forces mothers to make difficult choices between their careers and the well-being of their children. Due to the negligence of the importance of breastfeeding in the work culture, many others may opt for early weaning or alternative feeding methods, which can compromise the numerous health benefits associated with breastfeeding.

Importance of workplace support?

The workplace plays a crucial role in supporting breastfeeding among working mothers. Encouraging and enabling breastfeeding benefits the employee and yields positive outcomes for employers. Breastfed babies tend to have better health than non-breastfed ones, reducing absenteeism and healthcare costs for working parents.?

According to WHO, merely 20% of countries mandate employers offer paid breaks and suitable facilities for breastfeeding. Shockingly, over half a billion working women across the globe are devoid of crucial maternity protections that should be enriched in national laws. This situation must be checked to ensure working mothers receive the support and rights they deserve.?

Companies Leading the Way?

Numerous companies have wholeheartedly adopted breastfeeding-friendly policies, reaping remarkable rewards. Organizations prioritizing employee well-being by providing parental leave, flexible work arrangements, and lactation support have experienced a surge in job satisfaction, higher retention rates, and boosted employee morale.

Conclusion?

As we commemorate World Breastfeeding Week with the theme: Enabling Breastfeeding: Making a Difference for Working Parents," Let us spread awareness and recognize the significant contribution workplace policies can have on breastfeeding rates and maternal health. By creating breastfeeding-friendly environments, employers can empower working mothers to continue breastfeeding their infants while pursuing their careers.

Together, let us build a world where breastfeeding is encouraged, celebrated, and cherished, making a profound difference for working parents and their little ones.

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