The breastfeeding week marks August 1–7, backed by the World Health Organization, UNICEF, and many health ministries. This week celebrates all mothers with the theme ‘Closing the Gap: Breastfeeding Support for All'. This idea supports all new mothers who are struggling with breastfeeding and need the right information.
Breastfeeding is an essential part of motherhood. As Pamela K. Wiggins said, “Breastfeeding is a mother’s gift to her baby, herself, and the earth.” This period lasts for roughly 6 months of the infant’s life. It has numerous benefits for both the mother and the newborn. Babies who consume breast milk are less likely to be constipated, and the baby develops a strong immune system because of the nutrients present in the breast milk. It also creates a beautiful bond between the mother and the baby.
The need
Why do new mums need support and awareness about breastfeeding?
Motherhood is a beautiful yet difficult journey. The body undergoes a lot of changes, and the mind has to adapt to those changes. Every mother is scared to go wrong, and hence she needs help. Doctors advise and counsel the mothers in different ways to ensure that the process is smooth and stress-free.
Mothers need all kinds of support, for instance, learning how to latch, the positions to feed, and much more.
Another reason to create awareness about breastfeeding is because of the issue of breastfeeding in public. ‘She gets stares',' She is judged and told to cover it up.’ These are some of the things we have all heard about. Why does a mother need to hide something as natural as feeding her baby?
Why do people have to stare at and judge her? Why does our country lack the infrastructure to support breastfeeding? This theme hopes to address these questions and provide answers in the form of change and development for the people.
Support and care
Mothers need support in being able to breastfeed anytime, anywhere, and without being judged or stared down at. She needs appropriate guidance and counseling for those postpartum blues and the correct knowledge of breastfeeding. Most importantly, pregnancy is even easier when partners are supportive and try to understand the difficulties of mothers.
Let us all try to make motherhood a simple yet memorable journey. Mothers need care, love, and immense support, so let us give it to them. Breastfeeding Week is an awareness campaign to try to improve women's lives.