The Council of International Neonatal Nurses (COINN) is proud to join the global community in celebrating World Breastfeeding Week (WBW) 2024. This annual campaign, organized by the World Alliance for Breastfeeding Action (WABA), is one of the largest international initiatives to promote the numerous benefits of breastfeeding. Since its inception in 1991, WBW has been celebrated in around 120 countries, and since 2016, it has been aligned with the United Nation’s Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
This year, from August 1 to 7, we join hands with organizations like WHO, UNICEF, and the European Foundation for the Care of Newborn Infants (EFCNI) to advocate for this year’s theme: “Closing the Gap – Breastfeeding Support for All.” This theme underscores the importance of providing comprehensive breastfeeding support to all mothers and infants, ensuring no one is left behind, particularly the most vulnerable groups.
The Importance of Breastfeeding
Breastfeeding is a cornerstone of child health, providing essential nutrients, strengthening the immune system, and fostering a unique bond between mother and baby. The benefits of breastfeeding are profound and far-reaching, from reducing the risk of certain infections and chronic conditions to promoting cognitive development and emotional well-being.
However, the reality is that many mothers and infants face significant barriers to successful breastfeeding. These barriers can include lack of support in healthcare settings, socio-economic challenges, and inadequate maternity leave policies.
Supporting the Most Vulnerable: Preterm Babies and Newborns in Intensive Care
At COINN, we are particularly focused on supporting preterm babies and newborns requiring intensive medical care. These infants are among the most vulnerable and stand to gain immensely from the protective and nurturing benefits of breastmilk.
EFCNI, in its 10th year of active participation in WBW, emphasizes the critical need to provide specialized support for these tiny patients. For preterm infants, breastmilk can significantly reduce the risk of life-threatening conditions such as necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) and infections, promoting better overall outcomes and development.
Closing the Gap: How You Can Get Involved
To truly close the gap in breastfeeding support, a concerted effort from all sectors of society is required. Here are some ways you can get involved:
1. Educate and Advocate: Raise awareness about the importance of breastfeeding and the specific needs of preterm infants. Share information and resources within your community and networks.
2. Support Breastfeeding Mothers: Whether through peer support groups, healthcare initiatives, or workplace policies, every bit of support helps mothers on their breastfeeding journey.
3. Policy Engagement: Advocate for policies that provide adequate maternity leave, protect breastfeeding rights, and ensure access to lactation support services.
4. Join the WABA Campaign: Participate in local and global events organized by WABA. Visit their website at www.worldbreastfeedingweek.org to learn more and get involved in their political campaign.
COINN’s Commitment
As neonatal nurses, our commitment is to provide the highest standard of care and support to newborns and their families. We stand with WABA, WHO, UNICEF, EFCNI, and countless other organizations and individuals in our shared mission to promote breastfeeding and ensure that every mother and baby has the support they need.
This World Breastfeeding Week, let us all pledge to “Close the Gap” and work towards a future where breastfeeding support is universally accessible, and every baby, regardless of their start in life, can benefit from the power of breastmilk.
Happy World Breastfeeding Week 2024!
COINN (Council of International Neonatal Nurses)
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