Over 120 countries commemorate World Breastfeeding Week (WBW) every year from August 1st to the 7th, while others may observe it in other months according on their health objectives.

This year’s theme: “Prioritize breastfeeding: Create sustainable support systems.”

As World Breastfeeding Week draws to a close, let’s remember the value of breastfeeding: it lowers the risk of breast and ovarian cancer and postpartum depression in mothers while also providing long-term health benefits for children, such as decreased infections, allergies, and improved cognitive function.

According to World Health Organisation (WHO); In 2015-2021, 53% of newborns were initiated on breastfeeding within one hour of birth. During this period, the proportion of infants under six months of age exclusively breastfed reached 45%. The global target is to reach 70% by 2030.

In my country, Zimbabwe, there is a belief, that one should feed the baby with porridge and water so that he or she sleeps well besides exclusive breastfeeding. Some mothers tend to unfollow exclusive breastfeeding for the first six months of life. This practice is widely recommended by global health organizations due to its numerous benefits for infant health and development.

Introducing complementary foods or liquids like porridge and water before this period can displace breast milk, potentially leading to nutritional deficiencies and increased risk of infections.

The World Health Organization (WHO) and the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) firmly promote exclusive breastfeeding from birth until six months of age. This indicates that the baby gets solely breast milk and no additional liquids or solids, not even water, throughout this time. Breast milk delivers all the essential nutrients, antibodies, and hydration an infant requires for ideal development and defense against typical childhood diseases. While the belief that porridge and water aid sleep might be culturally ingrained, scientific evidence does not support this claim and, in fact, suggests potential harm. Instead, establishing a consistent sleep routine and ensuring the infant is well-fed through exclusive breastfeeding are more effective and safer approaches to promoting healthy sleep patterns.

Some facts: The hardest part about being a breastfeeding Mom is:

1. The pain during the first two to three weeks when breasts will be painful and you are still trying to get used.
2. ⁠The sleepless nights to feed a baby when you have been used to sleep the whole night but now you have to try to sleep when the baby sleeps.
3. ⁠The stress to find a suitable outfit for breastfeeding whilst traveling or attending events.
4. ⁠You will have to get used to smelling milk, nomatter how much you bath, you will still have that milking scent.
5. ⁠Other babies refuse pacifiers and prefer using your nipple as a pacifier
6. ⁠When the baby starts teething, some moms may find it hard to breastfeed when baby’s teeth are coming in. That’s because babies can experience discomfort when teething and will change their position or latch to avoid hitting their sore gums. Babies may also try to relieve soreness by biting.
7. ⁠There may be medical and psychological repercussions for both the nursing parent and the infant when weaning them from breastfeeding. Because less milk is being removed, the parent may have mastitis, plugged ducts, or breast engorgement. They may also experience mood swings and hormonal shifts. As the infant gets used to the new feeding techniques, they could become a little fussy or start crying.

After all that, the warm smile you get from your baby during breastfeeding, makes you forget about all the pain.