human milk

In 2026, the theme for World Breastfeeding Week is "Breastfeeding for a sustainable start in life: strengthening what works."

Many practices have been shown to improve breastfeeding outcomes:

- Skilled counseling on infant and young child feeding

- Baby-Friendly Hospital Initiative

- National mass media campaigns

- International Code of Marketing of Breast-milk Substitutes

- Paid maternity leave

- Workplace breastfeeding support

Human milk is the best food for newborns, even if they are small, premature or sick. Breastfeeding improves infant survival, health and development. It is also associated with better neurodevelopmental outcomes and less obesity, hypertension and insulin resistance in adolescence, among many other benefits.

In addition to the implementation of the International Code of Marketing of Human Milk Substitutes, other complementary actions are needed to promote the optimal feeding of infant and young children. The Breastfeeding Promotion Initiative led by WHO and UNICEF, aims to increase global commitment to breastfeeding. In addition to achieving full implementation of the code through strong legal measures, the initiative's call to action urges governments, donors and partners to do the following:
• Increase funding for breastfeeding promotion initiatives.

Regarding the administration of feeding the premature newborns in intensive care areas, the written breastfeeding policy should explicit issues related to the:

It is important to close the gap in the possibilities that women have to breastfeed their children since breastfeeding can act as a factor of equality in society.

Human milk is the best nutrition for children at a time when the epigenetic foundations for health and development are being established. Everyone has the right to access breast milk.

It is essential that no one is left behind, especially vulnerable mothers who may need additional support to reduce inequalities in the ability to breastfeed.

This World Breastfeeding Week, let’s appreciate breastfeeding mums and ensure they get the support they need.

Breastfeeding support comes in many forms – from staff welcoming breastfeeding in your local café to helpful advice from a health worker or maternity protections from your government.

These all help protect the health and rights of women and babies

Mothers who brestfeed need:

- Policies and attitudes that value women and breastfeeding
- A women and breastfeeding-friendly health care system
- Respect for women’s autonomy and her right to breastfeed anytime, anywhere
- Solidarity and community support

This year we want to really recognize breastfeeding mums, ensure they are seen and heard, and share relatable human experiences about breastfeeding and the importance of multi-level support.

Since 1991, the Baby-Friendly Hospital Initiative (BFHI) has sought to motivate healthcare teams caring for newborns to provide the best support for successful breastfeeding, based on the Ten Steps.

Human milk (HM) is recognized for its safety, efficacy, availability and cost/effectiveness. Consequently, it is the best food for newborns, even if they are small, premature or sick.

Breastfeeding improves child survival, health and development.

HM has the potential to reduce morbidities and improve health, especially in those born extremely prematurely, as it contains bioactive substances with bactericidal, immunomodulatory, and gut maturation-inducing properties.

The primary responsibility for monitoring the implementation of the code rests with governments. Enforcement is most effective when this responsibility is shared among the main government agencies involved throughout the various stages of product commercialization.
- National legislation on the Code should indicate which government agencies are in charge of overseeing this and how it should be done.
- Manufacturers and vendors of human milk substitutes should monitor their own marketing practices at all levels.