During World Breastfeeding Week, it’s important to remember that breastfeeding is not just a personal choice—it’s also a powerful act of public health. Despite many awareness campaigns, we still face social, cultural, workplace, and even medical barriers that make breastfeeding difficult, especially during the first six months of life, when it should be exclusive.
Beyond its nutritional value, breast milk offers immune protection, supports the development of the infant’s gut microbiome, and significantly reduces the risk of respiratory and gastrointestinal infections, as well as chronic diseases later in life. On an emotional level, it strengthens the mother-baby bond and supports neurological development, even improving stress regulation in later stages of life.
But the benefits aren’t only for the baby. Current scientific evidence confirms that breastfeeding also reduces the mother’s risk of breast cancer, ovarian cancer, and type 2 diabetes, while supporting the body’s natural postpartum recovery process.
Still, breastfeeding isn’t always easy. Many women need real, non-judgmental support. Misinformation, pressure to return to work quickly, lack of proper facilities, and insufficient professional guidance are some of the key factors that can disrupt the process.
That’s why, rather than celebrating breastfeeding for just one week, we should commit to protecting it throughout the year, through medical care, workplace policies, health systems, and community support.
Breastfeeding is not a trend or an obligation. It’s a powerful, natural, science-backed tool that deserves to be supported, protected, and respected.