Breast-feeding – Reducing the impact of climate change caused by artificial feeding
By- Marykutty Babu, Nursing Superintendent-Tata Main Hospital.
Introduction
World Breastfeeding Week (WBW) is an annual celebration held every year from 1 to 7 August in more than 120 countries. (WBW) is a global campaign to raise awareness and galvanize action on themes related to breastfeeding. The theme for World Breastfeeding Week in 2025 is “Prioritize Breastfeeding: Create Sustainable Support Systems”. This theme emphasizes the need to establish long-term, equitable support systems that empower breastfeeding mothers and recognize breastfeeding’s role in environmental sustainability and climate resilience.
Breast-feeding is a natural, renewable food that is environmentally safe. It is produced and delivered without pollution, packaging or waste and is sustainable solution that is good for planet and its people. Prioritizing and supporting breast-feeding will reduce the growing climate impact of artificial infant feed supply chains. However, breast-feeding can be challenging when parents are not fully supported.
WBW2025 will outline the roles and connect the actors in the Warm Chain of Support for breast-feeding to create a breast feeding – friendly environment together at all levels; national; health; workplace and community. By connecting the actors working at different levels, a synergistic effort to support the parents will be in place.
Importance of breast-feeding for both child and mother.
For babies,
- It provides optimal nutrition
- protection against infections and diseases
- Potential long-term benefits like reduced risk of chronic illnesses and improved cognitive development.
- Reduced Risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS)
- Easier digestion
- Stronger Immune System
- Ideal Temperature and Convenience
- Transition to Solid Foods
- Bonding
For mothers,
- Postpartum Weight Loss
- Uterine Contraction
- Reduced Risk of Osteoporosis
- Lower Risk of Postpartum Depression
- Family Spacing
- Financial Savings
- Convenience
- Improved Maternal Health
- Breastfeeding aids in postpartum recovery
- Reduces the risk of certain cancers and diseases and
- Promotes a strong bond with the baby.
Evolution of Campaign
WBW is celebrated every 1-7 August in commemoration of the 1990 Innocenti Declaration. This declaration, signed in August 1990, laid the foundation for global efforts to promote breastfeeding. WBW started in 1992, with annual themes including healthcare systems, women and work, the International Code of Marketing of Breastmilk Substitutes, community support, ecology, economy, science, education and human rights. Since 2016, WBW is aligned with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). In 2018, a World Health Assembly resolution endorsed WBW as an important breastfeeding promotion strategy.
Objectives
- Inform celebrants about the theme of the year
- Anchor the theme within the global breast-feeding agenda
- Engage with individuals and organizations for greater impact
- Galvanize action on the selected theme and related issues.
This is an annual campaign started since 2016, and incorporated to United Nations Sustainable Developmental Goals and otherwise known as World Breastfeeding Week -Sustainable Developmental Goals (WBW-SDGs) Campaign.
Impact
- Brings together stakeholders from diverse sectors to achieve common goals.
- Provides up-to-date information and tools for celebrants to take action.
- Encourage sustained action on a particular theme throughout the year.
Conclusion
Breast-feeding provides the foundation for optimal health and is the gold standard for infants, young children, and adult including in the context of HIV to maximize survival through maternal adherence to ARVs and retention in care. It is a right for every mother and child to attain adequate food and highest attainable standard of health. It has got a positive lifelong effect both in mother and child by eliminating the malnutrition in children and optimum health for both mother and child.
WHO actively promotes breastfeeding as the best source of nourishment for infants and young children, and is working to increase the rate of exclusive breastfeeding for the first 6 months up to at least 50% by 2025. To reach the new 2030 target of 70% exclusive breast-feeding up to 6 months, special efforts needed through a “warm chain campaign”.