Firoozabadi Medical Education Center

Every year on August 1st, World Breastfeeding Day is celebrated across various countries to encourage mothers to nourish their children with this divine gift.

UNICEF Executive Director, Ann Veneman, stated: "World Breastfeeding Week also gives us an opportunity to raise awareness among families and communities about the benefits of early and exclusive breastfeeding, and UNICEF remains committed to supporting, promoting, and advocating for breastfeeding." The importance of breastfeeding lies in its rich proteins and vitamins, making it more beneficial for infants compared to other foods. Doctors assert that babies who are breastfed tend to have higher intelligence and physical capabilities compared to those who rely on other food sources.

For years, the crucial role of breastfeeding in the growth and health of children, as well as the health of mothers, has been recognized. Breastfeeding alone is sufficient for the first six months of an infant's life, and during the second six months, 50% of the baby's energy comes from breast milk, with the remaining 50% from complementary foods. Educating mothers is an art; it's essential to convey to them that all mothers are capable of breastfeeding, and this belief must be instilled. Additionally, societal support for women and family support for mothers is vital. Another key aspect is training hospital and healthcare staff to properly respond to mothers' concerns, as the first two to three weeks after birth are often the most critical and filled with questions for new mothers.