Breastfeeding: a sustainable start in life

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Extract from the article: « Breastfeeding for a Sustainable Start in Life: Strengthening What Works ». This is the theme of the 2026 edition of World Breastfeeding Week (WBW), observed from August 1 to 7 under the leadership of the World Health Organization (WHO) and the Unit

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« Breastfeeding for a Sustainable Start in Life: Strengthening What Works ». This is the theme of the 2026 edition of World Breastfeeding Week (WBW), observed from August 1 to 7 under the leadership of the World Health Organization (WHO) and the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF).

The campaign aims to strengthen efforts to protect, promote and support breastfeeding mothers. Proper positioning and attachment enable the infant to breastfeed effectively, thereby contributing to good health. How a baby latches onto the breast is therefore important not only for adequate feeding and comfort, but also for the mother’s well-being.

Breast milk offers many benefits. For the child, the first yellowish milk, known as colostrum, serves as the baby’s first vaccine. Théophile Bitamba recommends that mothers give this milk to their babies immediately after delivery. Breast milk provides all the nutrients the child needs; strengthens the immune system against diseases; promotes healthy growth and development; and contributes to cognitive development.

For the mother, breastfeeding facilitates the expulsion of the placenta and reduces the risk of postpartum haemorrhage. Early breastfeeding stimulates milk production and can also serve as a natural contraceptive method. For the family, breast milk eliminates additional expenses related to the purchase of infant formula, reduces healthcare costs and contributes to the child’s well-being by helping prevent illness.

Proper attachment for effective breastfeeding

Successful breastfeeding depends on several factors, including the position of the mother and baby and the way the infant attaches to the breast. Correct positioning promotes effective milk transfer, reduces nipple pain and contributes to continued exclusive breastfeeding, which is recommended during the first six months of life.

For effective sucking, the baby’s nose should be clear, the mouth should be wide open and the tongue positioned beneath the nipple. Once properly positioned, the baby’s chin should touch the breast, the lower lip should be turned outward, and a large portion of the areola should be inside the baby’s mouth.

To help the infant open its mouth widely before latching, specialists recommend a simple technique: gently brushing the baby’s upper lip with the nipple. This can encourage a better latch and make breastfeeding easier.

Support must be collective

The theme of WBW 2026 reminds us that breastfeeding is not solely the responsibility of the mother. Families, healthcare professionals, employers and public authorities all have a role to play in creating a supportive environment for breastfeeding women.

The message « Breastfeeding for a Sustainable Start in Life: Strengthening What Works » thus highlights the importance of providing mothers with appropriate support. Successful breastfeeding depends not only on the mother’s knowledge and practices, but also on the support of her family, community and society.

It is therefore essential to strengthen the sharing of appropriate advice and the dissemination of good practices, particularly correct breastfeeding initiation during the first hours after birth. Support for breastfeeding-friendly policies, especially for working mothers, is also an important lever for creating conditions that enable women to continue breastfeeding.

Jean ELI