Why the World Must Pay Attention to World Breastfeeding Week

The first week of August is a time of note for mothers across the world. Officially recognized as World Breastfeeding Week, this global campaign aims to bring awareness about the multiple transformative benefits of this natural act. At the Islamic Medical Association of North America (IMANA), we’ve provided emergency relief to mothers and children in some of the world’s most disadvantaged and underrepresented regions. 

We understand how important breastfeeding can be in rewriting their story. This World Breastfeeding Week, join us in raising awareness.

History of World Breastfeeding Week 

How did we come to have a whole week dedicated to breastfeeding?

In the early 1990s, the World Alliance for Breastfeeding Action set the date to promote the benefits of breastmilk during the first six months of a child’s development. Since then, it has been adopted by various global organizations and promoted by numerous medical professionals. It’s also observed in 120 countries across the world, including the United States.

Each year brings a new theme focused on a different aspect of breastfeeding — from workplace policies to community support systems. 

The theme for 2025 is “Invest in Breastfeeding, Invest in the Future”. This is a reference to the multiple economic benefits associated with ditching the formula, which we’ll highlight more below. 

What Are the Benefits of Breastmilk For a Child?

In some sections of the internet, breastfeeding is seen as controversial. But between experts, evidence has proved time and again that it can have serious benefits.

During World Breastfeeding Week, the World Health Organization, the UNICEF, and other health-focused organizations highlight the following benefits for the baby:

• Lower risk of diarrhea and vomiting 
• Lower risk of respiratory infections like pneumonia developing later
• Lower risk childhood obesity, leukemia, cavities, and celiac disease 
• Lower risk of obesity and Type 2 diabetes 

The research suggests breastfeeding can fortify a baby’s immune system. This means fewer hospital visits and fewer random illnesses. 

It also gives your child all the nutrition they need during development stages. This is because it’s easy to digest, is packed with nutrients, and actually changes composition to meet changing nutritional needs as your baby ages. 

Does Breastfeeding Have Any Benefits for the Mother? 

It’s not just the baby who benefits from breastfeeding. There are real effects for the mother too. 

First, there’s the physical impact. Breastfeeding triggers the release of oxytocin, a hormone that helps your uterus shrink back down after birth. It may also lower the chance of postpartum depression. 

Longer-term, more health benefits emerge. Breastfeeding is associated with a lower risk of breast and ovarian cancers. It also reduces the risk of heart disease or diabetes.

There are several tangible benefits, too. Women burn up to 500 calories a day just by breastfeeding. For many, that means dropping pregnancy weight faster. It’s not a guarantee. But there’s a very high chance you shed some pounds. 

What About Economic Benefits?

As this year’s theme suggests, breastfeeding has significant economic weight. For families, cost savings can be substantial. Formula feeding isn’t cheap.

Many households spend up to $200 on feeding formula, depending on the baby’s age, appetite, and the brand of choice. Over the course of a year, the costs add up. This doesn’t even include the cost of bottles, sterilizing equipment, or supplemental feeding products. Breastfeeding, on the other hand, is free.

Then there are healthcare costs. Breastfed babies are healthier courtesy stronger immune systems. They need fewer doctor visits or hospitalizations. 

On a macro level, the World Health Organization estimates countries lose billions of dollars a year due to suboptimal breastfeeding.

In rural or war-struck regions, the economics are even starker. Shipping infant formula into disaster zones is expensive. Once it gets there, it doesn’t last long without clean water, refrigeration, or safe storage. 

Dry formula eases some of these challenges, but breastfeeding is the most sustainable and cost-effective solution.

Organizations like IMANA have seen this first hand through our relief programs. 

What Do the Experts Have to Say?

There’s no shortage of opinions out there when it comes to breastfeeding. How often? For how long? When to start solids? Everyone has their own take.

But if you strip it down to what the experts at WHO and UNICEF have to say, it’s surprisingly straightforward:

• Start nursing within the first hour after birth
• Stick to only breastmilk for six months. No food, no formula, not even water
• At six months, start solids but keep breastfeeding until the child’s at least two

Simple enough on paper. The reality of course is not so cut and dry. 

Between 2015 and 2020, less than half of babies under six months were exclusively breastfed. Of course, this statistic is beefed up by the fact that not every mother can breastfeed. Formula can be the right call in those cases.

But for those who are able, the science is clear and benefits, overwhelming.

Why We Must Support Breastfeeding Mothers

Breastfeeding can be physically painful and emotionally draining. For working mothers, it’s also logistically challenging. This needs to change.

To support the practice, companies must enforce policies protecting maternity leave. Medical professionals should discourage formula use, unless required. But most of all, the larger community must come together to dispel the stigma associated with what is one of the most natural things in the world. 

Education is key to driving this shift, whether in downtown Chicago, or war-torn Gaza. 

That’s why at IMANA, we will continue to stand with mothers who are in need of guidance. With a little support, we can keep providing medical care and emergency relief to mothers who need it most. This week, take a moment to share this message. Organizations like ours need your support to keep more mothers and children safe.