Thread by @WHO

#WorldBreastfeedingWeek starts today!

If everyone strives to step up for #breastfeeding, it will become much easier!

More bit.ly/3S7Sy57

5 #breastfeeding facts for mothers:
1⃣ Your body is ready to 🤱🏻 from the moment your 👶 is born
2⃣ 🤱🏻 lowers stress & anxiety
3⃣ 🤱🏻 sets up a 👶’s immune system for life
4⃣ 🤱🏻 fights infections
5⃣ The more you 🤱🏻 in the early days, the faster your body makes milk

Many women do not 🤱🏻 for as long as they would like.
Here’s how we can ALL step up for #breastfeeding mothers anytime, anywhere.

#WorldBreastfeedingWeek

Workplace support makes breastfeeding possible.
Women should be able to continue #breastfeeding their babies when they return to work.

#WorldBreastfeedingWeek

Employers are encouraged to work with governments to support #breastfeeding employees to 🤱🏾: offer at least 18 weeks of paid maternity leave, preferably six months; plus paid paternity leave.

#WorldBreastfeedingWeek

Time off work is also important for fathers.
Paid paternity leave helps fathers bond with their 👶 and take on an equal share of the care burden.

#WorldBreastfeedingWeek

🤱🏽Mothers need encouragement and support from co-workers.
Help them arrange their duties around #breastfeeding breaks.

#WorldBreastfeedingWeek

Babies have tiny tummies and need to be 🤱🏾 very often. You can help mothers feel comfortable breastfeeding their babies whenever and wherever they get hungry.
We can all help create #breastfeeding-friendly communities.

#WorldBreastfeedingWeek

Kangaroo mother care - holding babies skin-to-skin and exclusively #breastfeeding - dramatically improves survival for preterm & small babies 👶.
Find out more bit.ly/3wKGz2b

#WorldBreastfeedingWeek

Holding a baby skin-to-skin and only breastfeeding 🤱🏻 meets their needs for:
✅ warmth
✅ nutrition
✅ stimulation
✅ protection from disease
✅ love
while also helping them develop

#WorldBreastfeedingWeek

Kangaroo mother care saves babies’ 👶 lives. It also:
✅ protects against infections
✅ prevents hypothermia
✅ makes #breastfeeding 🤱🏽 easier

#WorldBreastfeedingWeek

Partners and other family members can also do kangaroo care for babies 👶 born early or small when mothers are unwell, in recovery or need a short break.

#WorldBreastfeedingWeek

Hospitals can support mothers with #breastfeeding by not promoting infant formula, bottles or teats.

#WorldBreastfeedingWeek