To mark World Breastfeeding Week from 1 to 7 August, UNICEF recommends that nursing mothers are further supported, both through professional networks and the rest of society.   As an essential tool to improve child survival, exclusive breastfeeding for the first six months of life can avert up to 15% of deaths of children under five in developing countries.

In developed countries, exclusive breastfeeding for the first six months of life and continuing thereafter reduces the risk of catching common childhood diseases. Breastfeeding is an excellent source of nutrition for newborns around the world, especially in emergency situations, which often includes limited access to safe water.   Thus, breastfeeding prevents diarrohea and deficiency diseases and is the best food for babies at risk of allergies. It also contributes to the health of mothers and creates an emotional bond between mother and child. Good nutrition can save lives during infancy, prevent disease and ensure optimum growth and development.  

World Breastfeeding Week offers an opportunity to educate policymakers, donors, partners and the public on benefits that breastfeeding brings for mothers and their babies.

The situation in Luxembourg

In Luxembourg, two maternity units designated "Baby Friendly Hospital" commit to supporting, promoting and protecting breastfeeding and practice the ten conditions established by UNICEF and WHO for success with breastfeeding. These are the Maternity unit at the Centre Hospitalier Emile Mayrisch in Esch-sur-Alzette and the Maternité Grande Duchesse Charlotte in Luxembourg city.