Breastfeeding
In the first week of August every year, the world Breastfeeding Week is celebrated, and it is considered one of the most effective means of ensuring the health and safety of the child. Breast milk is the ideal source of nutrition for the child and is a safe source that contains antibodies that help prevent many diseases. Neglect of breastfeeding may lead to consequences for the child's health, including malnutrition, immune deficiency, and life-threatening diseases.
Objectives:
- Developing work environments to help and support women to breastfeed their children.
- Promoting the importance of breastfeeding for pregnant women.
- Educating the community about the importance and benefits of breastfeeding.
Facts:
- Currently, less than half of infants under 6 months are breastfed.
- Women who breastfeed have a lower risk of breast cancer and ovarian cancer.
- Breastfed children achieve better results in intelligence tests.
- Breastfed children perform better on intelligence tests.
- In advanced age, children who are breastfed are less likely to become obese and develop diabetes.
Official Date:
Globally: August 1-7, 2025.
Locally: Safar 7-13, 1447 AH.
References:
World Health Organization - World Breastfeeding Week 2024.
Saudi Ministry of Health Portal - Health Days 2024 - World Breastfeeding Week.