The date was established in the early 1990s, following an international initiative created to strengthen the protection, promotion and support of breastfeeding around the world. The main milestone was the creation of World Breastfeeding Week, launched in 1992 by the World Alliance for Breastfeeding Action (WABA), with the support of the World Health Organization (WHO) and the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF).
The choice of early August is linked to the Innocenti Declaration, signed on 1 August 1990 in Florence, Italy. This document was the result of a meeting organised by WHO and UNICEF and established international commitments to increase breastfeeding rates and create conditions that would allow women to breastfeed safely and with adequate support.
From then on, the day began to be celebrated annually in several countries, becoming one of the world’s leading campaigns promoting child health.
The importance of breast milk
According to WHO and UNICEF, breast milk is considered the ideal food for newborns, providing the nutrients needed for growth and development during the first months of life.
Breastfeeding helps protect babies against several diseases, including respiratory and gastrointestinal infections, as well as some allergies. It also contributes to the development of the immune system and strengthens the emotional bond between mother and child.
For mothers, breastfeeding can bring benefits such as faster recovery after childbirth and a reduced risk of certain diseases, including some types of cancer and cardiovascular problems.
A campaign beyond feeding
World Breastfeeding Day is not only intended to encourage breastfeeding, but also to highlight the obstacles many women face, such as a lack of family support, difficulties returning to work, the absence of suitable spaces for breastfeeding or limited access to specialised guidance.
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The campaign argues that breastfeeding should be an informed and supported choice, ensuring that all mothers have access to accurate information and appropriate conditions to decide how to feed their children.
The role of hospitals and public policies
Over recent decades, several initiatives have been created to support breastfeeding, including the Baby-Friendly Hospital Initiative, launched by WHO and UNICEF, which promotes good practices in maternity units, such as skin-to-skin contact immediately after birth and support for breastfeeding from the first hours of life.
The promotion of breastfeeding is part of public health strategies, with actions developed by healthcare professionals, maternity units and health centres.
Current challenges
Despite the recognised benefits, breastfeeding rates continue to vary significantly between countries. International organisations warn that many mothers stop breastfeeding earlier than they would like due to a lack of support, information or adequate social and professional conditions.
For this reason, every year World Breastfeeding Day has a specific theme, drawing attention to different aspects related to maternity protection, equal opportunities and child health.
More than celebrating a natural practice, this date aims to remind us that breastfeeding also depends on the conditions created by society to support mothers and babies during the first months of life.
