It’s World Breastfeeding Week
World Breastfeeding Week from August 1 to 7 reinforces that breastfeeding is vital for the health and well being of infants.
WORLD Breastfeeding Week, from August 1 to 7, reinforces that breastfeeding is vital for the health and wellbeing of infants.
A month’s supply of formula for an infant is estimated to cost R700, and this increases as a baby grows. This does not include the extra costs of energy and water consumed by formula feeding.
In low income households these expenses can make the difference between the rest of the family eating sufficient protein or going hungry. This can exacerbate inequality and make it harder for families to depart from poverty.
Breastfeeding also has long term health benefits for children. The Lancet reports that breastfeeding reduces the incidence of type 2 diabetes by as much as 35% and the incidence of obesity by 13%. This, in turn, reduces the burden on public health systems, which frees up resources to be used for poverty alleviation.
Mothers are encouraged to keep breastfeeding for at least the first 12 months of their baby’s life.
To get involved visit sacsowach.org or e-mail info@sacsowach.org.
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