World Breastfeeding Week: 1–7 August 2015

World Breastfeeding Week: 1–7 August 2015

World Breastfeeding Week is celebrated every year from 1 to 7 August in more than 170 countries to encourage breastfeeding and improve the health of babies around the world.

It commemorates the Innocenti Declaration signed in August 1990 by government policymakers, WHO, UNICEF and other organizations to protect, promote and support breastfeeding.

Breastfeeding is considered the best way to provide infants with the nutrients they need. WHO recommends exclusive breastfeeding starting within one hour after birth until a baby is six months old.

Nutritious complementary foods should then be added while continuing to breastfeed for up to two years or beyond.

Photo courtesy: WHO