Introduction: Celebrating World Breastfeeding Week 2025
Observed from August 1 to 7, World Breastfeeding Week 2025 focuses on the transformative theme: “Prioritize Breastfeeding: Create Sustainable Support Systems.” This year, the campaign encourages governments, employers, healthcare institutions, and families to build and strengthen support for breastfeeding at every level—from the home to the workplace.
As part of this worldwide initiative, Shree Polyclinic & Lab, led by Dr. Chithra S, proudly supports sustainable breastfeeding practices. For breastfeeding consultations or maternal care, reach out at 9052161616 or 8550001600.
Why WBW 2025 Matters More Than Ever
Health and Environmental Benefits
Breastfeeding reduces infant mortality, enhances cognitive development, and strengthens maternal health. Environmentally, it drastically cuts the carbon footprint linked to formula production and packaging—making it a climate-smart choice.
Bridging Social Gaps & Saving Lives
Exclusive breastfeeding could prevent over 820,000 child deaths annually. The campaign aligns with Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), aiming to eliminate health inequalities and improve child nutrition globally.
A Resilient Choice in Climate-Crisis Era
Breastfeeding builds climate resilience by being accessible and low-impact. As environmental challenges grow, this natural practice offers unmatched sustainability.
The Home: The First Line of Support
Prenatal Education and Golden Hour Awareness
Early counseling about breastfeeding during pregnancy significantly improves breastfeeding rates. Crucially, the first hour after birth, known as the “Golden Hour,” is essential for infant bonding and feeding success.
Empowering Families and Communities
Families that normalize breastfeeding—through open conversations, support groups, and inclusive decision-making—help reduce stigma. Communities that rally around new mothers foster a culture of compassion and confidence.
Milk Banks Saving Lives
Milk banks are crucial for premature and sick infants. States like Karnataka and Rajasthan lead the way with centers like “Jeevamrutha”, ensuring donated milk reaches NICUs. Yet, states like Bihar still lack this essential support.
Workplaces: Creating Breastfeeding-Friendly Environments
Progressive Policies Are Key
From public breastfeeding rooms in Bhubaneswar to inclusive HR guidelines, workplaces must adopt pro-breastfeeding policies. These include:
- Paid lactation breaks
- Private pumping areas
- On-site childcare
Practical Solutions for Employers
Even small businesses can support breastfeeding mothers with:
- Shared lactation rooms
- Flexible hours
- Breast pump access
- Return-to-work transition support
Linking Home, Clinic, and Work Support
The “Warm Chain” initiative by WABA calls for synchronized support across homes, clinics, and offices. This integrated approach ensures mothers never feel alone on their breastfeeding journey.
Strengthening Health Systems: A National Priority
Trained Lactation Consultants
Maternal care facilities need certified breastfeeding counselors who offer ongoing support from pregnancy to postpartum.
Baby-Friendly Hospitals Lead the Way
Hospitals adopting WHO’s Baby-Friendly Hospital Initiative (BFHI) promote breastfeeding by banning formula marketing and enforcing early feeding practices.
Global Webinars & Learning Opportunities
Institutions like WHO and LLLI are hosting webinars from August 5–6 to educate healthcare providers on building resilient breastfeeding systems.
Real-World Progress in India
Karnataka: Leading by Example
KMC-RI in Hubballi celebrates WBW with awareness drives and milk donation programs. Their milk bank has already supported hundreds of NICU infants.
Odisha: First-of-its-Kind Public Breastfeeding Room
In Bhubaneswar, a publicly accessible breastfeeding room sets a precedent for cities across India to support mothers in public spaces.
Jharkhand & Uttar Pradesh: Awareness Campaigns
State governments launched hospital campaigns promoting early initiation and exclusive breastfeeding.
Bihar: A Gap That Needs Filling
With no milk banks or lactation centers, Bihar highlights the urgent need for investment in maternal-infant health infrastructure.
The Role of Shree Polyclinic & Lab in Supporting WBW 2025
Located at the forefront of maternal care, Shree Polyclinic & Lab, under Dr. Chithra S, is aligned with WBW’s mission. The clinic offers:
- Breastfeeding education
- Maternal wellness checks
- Postnatal counseling
📞 Contact Shree Polyclinic & Lab at 9052161616 or 8550001600 for personalized, professional care that prioritizes mother and baby health.
When is World Breastfeeding Week 2025?
It’s celebrated from August 1 to 7 every year.
What is the theme for WBW 2025?
“Prioritize Breastfeeding: Create Sustainable Support Systems.”
How can workplaces support breastfeeding?
By offering lactation rooms, flexible schedules, and paid breaks.
What is the Warm Chain of Support?
A coordinated breastfeeding support network linking families, clinics, and employers.
Where can I find breastfeeding support in India?
Clinics like Shree Polyclinic & Lab, led by Dr. Chithra S, provide expert maternal care—call 9052161616 or 8550001600.
Call to Action: What You Can Do
✅ Families: Talk openly, provide daily support, attend breastfeeding workshops.
✅ Employers: Review HR policies, build lactation spaces, show public support.
✅ Healthcare Providers: Train staff, join webinars, and update policies.
✅ Everyone: Share WBW content, organize events, and donate to milk banks.
Together, we can build a world that supports breastfeeding from day one—at home, at work, and everywhere in between.
Refernce links:
World Health Organization (WHO) – WBW 2025 Campaign Page
https://www.who.int/campaigns/world-breastfeeding-week/2025
World Alliance for Breastfeeding Action (WABA) Presentation
https://worldbreastfeedingweek.org/2025/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/WBW2025-Presentation-English.pdf
La Leche League International (LLLI) – WBW 2025 Theme & Events
https://llli.org/wbw-2025
usiness Standard – India’s Role in WBW 2025
https://www.business-standard.com/health/world-breastfeeding-week-2025-theme-support-india-focus-125080100423_1.html
Times of India – Odisha’s Public Breastfeeding Room
https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/bhubaneswar/first-public-breastfeeding-room-inaugurated-in-city/articleshow/123148035.cms
TOI – Milk Bank Awareness at KMC Hubballi, Karnataka
https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/hubballi/breast-milk-bank-is-the-highlight-of-breastfeeding-week-at-kmc-ri-hubballi/articleshow/123101493.cms
TOI – Bihar Yet to Get Milk Bank
https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/patna/state-yet-to-get-human-milk-bank/articleshow/123145436.cms
AffairsCloud – Summary of WBW 2025 Theme
https://affairscloud.com/world-breastfeeding-week-2025-august-1-7