World Breastfeeding Week is an annual celebration which is held every year from 1 to 7 August in more than 120 countries.
Breastfeeding provides every child with the best possible start in life. It delivers health, nutritional and emotional benefits to both children and mothers. And it forms part of a sustainable food system. But while breastfeeding is a natural process, it is not always easy. Mothers need support – both to get started and to sustain breastfeeding.
Benefits of breastfeeding:
- your breast milk is perfectly designed for your baby
- breast milk protects your baby from infections and diseases
- breastfeeding provides health benefits for you
- breast milk is available for your baby whenever your baby needs it
- breastfeeding can build strong emotional bond between you and your baby
Breastfeeding can help to reduce your baby’s risk of:
- infections, with fewer visits to hospital as a result
- diarrhoea and vomiting, with fewer visits to hospital as a result
- sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS)
- obesity
- cardiovascular disease in adulthood
Our 0 to 4 services are here to support you with breastfeeding. Our colleagues have been specially trained to help parents feed their baby; and will give you the best possible information and support.
Breast feeding your baby : Bromley 0 to 19 Public Health Service