World Breastfeeding Week, August 1st – 8th

Photo: Julie Pudlowski

The World Health Organization predicts that 1.3 million children younger than five would be saved if they were breastfed for the first six months of life.

During the first week of August, International Medical Corps (IMC) will recognize World Breastfeeding Week to promote the importance of mother’s milk in infant health. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), 1.3 million children younger than five could be saved if they were breastfed exclusively for the first six months of life. In Sub-Saharan Africa, where 10 percent of babies die before their first birthday, an estimated 16 percent of neo-natal deaths could be prevented by breastfeeding at birth. If breastfed for the first six months, the number of infants saved could rise as high as 22 percent.

Breast milk is highly nutritious with easy-to-digest proteins and natural immunities that protect children against disease and infection. Colostrum, the milk that is produced at birth, is not only dense in nutrients, but is rich in antibodies that protect the baby from bacteria and viruses that cause infection. As one of the simplest most cost effective ways to reduce child malnutrition, breastfeeding should begin at birth and continue to at least six months of age.

Photo: Julie Pudlowski

A mother in Ethiopia breastfeeds twins. Full of easy-to-digest proteins and antibodies, breast milk is one of the simplest – and cost effective – ways to prevent malnutrition.

While breastfeeding is a powerful way to reduce preventable death and illness in infants, a mother must take in enough nutrients to keep herself healthy as her body uses its nutrient stores to produce breast milk. For the millions of lactating mothers affected by the global food crisis and extreme poverty, it is even more difficult to get the necessary amounts of nutrients they need.

International Medical Corps works to increase the number of breastfed children by focusing on educating mothers on the importance of breastfeeding for at least the first six months while helping them maintain a balanced diet. In many countries around the world, IMC provides immediate relief by offering nutritional support to malnourished pregnant and lactating women. IMC also helps mothers overcome chronic food insecurity through agriculture and livelihood projects that allow them to grow their own food and earn their own income so that they keep themselves – and their children – healthy and strong.

In Pakistan, International Medical Corps reaches out to communities to recognize World Breastfeeding Week.  Click here to read the full story.