Why ‘World Breastfeeding Week’

World Breastfeeding Week was celebrated since last week from 1st to 7th of August, 2011. The World Alliance for Breastfeeding Action (WABA), which organized the World breastfeeding week advocates in more than 170 countries worldwide. The theme this year was “Talk to Me! Breastfeeding– a 3D Experience”. This is also the 19th year the Breastfeeding Week is being celebrated. WABA’s call to action is for celebrants to reach beyond borders, in new ways, and include traditionally un-involved parties, such as young people, to join in World Breastfeeding Week (WBW). WABA commissioned a committed group of young people to carry out the UN’s call to action. This was to create awareness, mobilize, connect and build bridges across generations, cultures, religions and civilizations on breastfeeding. This was in association with the UN’s International Year of youth. According to a statement from WABA, the “3D” theme is about looking at the dimensions of people’s lives – things happen at a time and place, but communication is what makes our experiences so robust. “Using our own voices, we can talk to others about why breastfeeding matters, not only for health and well-being, but also for the environment, for women’s rights, and for social advancement. “Our generation is looking for opportunities to make a difference, to be included in dialogue that can impact our future world, and to pursue our dreams as learners for life,” says WABA Youth intern and coordinator, Kathy Houng. Another young advocate, Phan Bich Ngan says, “As a young person I want to contribute to the global breastfeeding movement. Not only do I need to learn more about breastfeeding, but I need to make sure I talk to my friends and family and help them when needed.” WABA has created the first WBW global flash mob titled ‘Feed the Future!’ They are calling on communities across the world to mobilize their networks and join together in the flash mob and support breastfeeding. The celebration of breastfeeding week might have ended but breastfeeding still goes on. Mothers should therefore celebrate, love and enjoy their breastfeeding experiences and keep their babies healthy. m.kaitesi@yahoo.com