Breastfeeding is one of the valued acts for both mother and newborn; however, it is surrounded by misinformation, cultural barriers and a lack of support. To bridge the gap, World Breastfeeding Week is celebrated annually from August 1 to 7, initiated by the World Alliance for Breastfeeding Action (WABA), WHO, UNICEF and other global organisations. This health campaign encourages creating a favourable environment where breastfeeding is supported and normalised.
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The theme for World Breastfeeding Week 2025 is “Prioritise Breastfeeding: Create Sustainable Support Systems, which highlights the need to develop enduring strategies that make breastfeeding practical and accessible for all mothers. It calls for action for governments, employers and healthcare systems to place breastfeeding on the top agenda and underscores the need for developing environments that continue to back mothers and newborns by offering a well-planned maternity leave, proper lactation facilities in the workplace and training for healthcare staff to support new mothers. Furthermore, it emphasises reducing reliance on formula production also means lowering environmental impact and conserving resources.
Also Read: World Breastfeeding Week 2024: Theme, Significance And Essential Tips For New Moms
The Significance of World Breastfeeding Week
Breastfeeding is a cornerstone for child well-being, providing optimal nutrition and protection against deadly infections. Exclusive breastfeeding for the first six months supports growth, immunity, and good cognitive development
Formula feeding contributes to packaging waste, energy use, and greenhouse gas emissions. By encouraging breastmilk, WBW supports a sustainable approach to feeding infants with a smaller carbon footprint
Breastfeeding reduces healthcare costs by preventing illnesses and supporting long-term well‑being.
Policies that support breastfeeding, such as parental leave, lactation facilities at work, and community resources, empower women to continue breastfeeding while participating fully in society and the workforce
This health campaign strengthens implementation of global targets which aim for 50% exclusive breastfeeding by 2025, through data-driven programs and government-authorised protections for nursing mothers.
Even with widespread awareness programs, misconceptions still exist around breastfeeding. It is important to address myths to ensure that lactating women get clear and proper information.
Myths About Breastfeeding
Myth 1: Formula is just as good as breastmilk.
Fact: Breastmilk contains powerful antibodies, immune cells, prebiotics, and growth factors that formula cannot replicate, supporting lifelong health and development.
Myth 2: Breastfeeding makes you lose shape or causes your breasts to.
Fact: Though hormonal changes occur, most body changes are reversible. Many women observe improved physical tone and definition post-breastfeeding; however, physical changes vary from person to person.
Myth 3: If you are sick, you should stop breastfeeding.
Fact: Breastfeeding is generally encouraged even if the mother is sick. It offers incredible immunological protection. Breastfeeding while vaccinated or recovering from illness helps transfer antibodies to the newborn. The World Health Organisation supports continued nursing in most cases.
Myth 4: You must supplement formula feed if your baby cries often.
Fact: Crying normally reflects communication and growth and not necessarily hunger. Breastfeeding mothers should get lactation counselling. This helps them to determine whether formula feeding is medically needed or not and restrict unnecessary formula use.
Myth 5: Feeding the newborn pumped breast milk is not considered breastfeeding
Fact: Most people believe that breastfeeding refers to direct lactation from the breast. However, feeding expressed breast milk through a bottle or other feeding options also counts as breastfeeding. The main factor is baby is getting breast milk, regardless of the way it is given.
Challenging these misconceptions helps create a more supportive and favourable atmosphere where new mothers feel informed and confident about continuing breastfeeding successfully.
(This article is reviewed by Kalyani Krishna, Chief Content Editor)
Author Profile:
M Sowmya Binu:
With over 15 years of expertise and a Postgraduate degree in Nutrition, M Sowmya Binu is a seasoned professional in the field of nutrition. Specializing in tailoring personalized diet plans, she underscores the significance of a balanced approach to health, emphasizing the integration of medication with dietary intake for holistic wellness. Passionate about equipping individuals with the knowledge to make informed decisions, Sowmya adeptly develops insightful content encompassing a wide array of topics, including food, nutrition, supplements, and overall health.
References:
https://www.who.int/campaigns/world-breastfeeding-week/2025
https://waba.org.my/wbw/
https://www.unicef.org/parenting/food-nutrition/14-myths-about-breastfeeding
