World Breastfeeding Week 2014 - For Life!



World Breastfeeding Week 2014 - Breastfeeding: A Winning Goal for Life!

Many of the debates that surround infant nutrition tend to concern the beneficial qualities of breast milk versus those of formula. This argument is unimportant when you start to examine the real benefits of breastfeeding on a larger scale. Encouraging mothers to breastfeed becomes necessary when it is a matter of life or death, especially in countries plagued with poverty.

Today is August 1, 2014, which marks the first day of World Breastfeeding Week. This year's theme is, "Breastfeeding: A Winning Goal - For Life!"

The goal of this year's worldwide National Breastfeeding Week is to share the importance of breastfeeding with as many groups of people as possible. This is because we need to build the momentum towards supporting, protecting and promoting breastfeeding. Mothers are more likely to succeed at breastfeeding long-term when they receive continued support from family, friends and/or the community.

Breastfeeding holds a greater benefit to children beyond being nutritionally superior. First and foremost, breast milk is an ideal energy source to prevent hunger and malnutrition in children under five. In families who face poverty throughout innumerable countries, breastfeeding may be the only lifesaving option for infants and young children. While breastfeeding is recommended by the World Health Organization until two-years-old, the global average age of breastfed children is up to four. Numerous other critical benefits of breastfeeding include a reduced infant mortality rate, the ability to help combat diseases like HIV/AIDS, among so many more.

Mothers and the world gain positive effects from breastfeeding. Mothers experience improved postpartum health by breastfeeding. Immediately following labor, the practice reduces blood loss, while there are also long-term benefits, which include a lowered risk of developing breast, ovarian or endometrial cancers. Beyond that, you may also heed benefits, because breastfeeding is eco-friendly.

Happy National Breastfeeding Week to all the moms out there, and let us celebrate breastfeeding for its life-giving, life-sustaining qualities. At the end of the day, the concern should not be about how a well-fed and cared for child is receiving their nutrients. Instead, breastfeeding saves lives by nourishing little bodies that would not receive nutrition otherwise. Breastfeeding is a powerful option, especially when it is the only option.

To find out more, visit the World Breastfeeding Week official website: http://worldbreastfeedingweek.org/