World Breastfeeding Week

1-7 August 2015Breastfeeding and

Work: Let’s Make it Work

Dr Sujnanendra Mishra

There is a reason behind

everything in nature

Aristotle (384-322 BC))

World Alliance for Breastfeeding Action (WABA)

Founded 14 February 1991

Type Network of People

Focus Innocenti Declaration

Location •Worldwide

Key people Derrick and Pat Jelliffe

Mission Eliminate Obstacles of Breastfeeding

Website Official Websitehttp://worldbreastfeedingweek.org

World Breastfeeding Week

The WABA World Breastfeeding Week (WBW) is celebrated every year from 1st – 7th August in over 176 countries. What started as an idea to commemorate the Innocenti Declaration in 1991 has turned into an annual campaign which WABA has successfully coordinated and organized for the past 23 years.

Each year, WABA selects the theme of WBW in consultation with Core and network partners, and based on considerations for the year, with the hope that sufficient awareness on a particular theme is raised and acted upon by the global community.

Some of our previous themes include health care systems, women’s employment and work, marketing practices of breastmilk substitute companies – national laws and practices, ecology,economy, education and human rights

This WBW, WABA calls for concerted global action to support women to combine breastfeeding and work. Whether a woman is working in the formal, non-formal or home setting, it is necessary that she is empowered in claiming her and her baby’s right to breastfeed.

Who Benefits From Maternity ProtectionAt Work?

• Mothers and babies are healthier, happier, more rested, and less stressed. Improved long and short term health.• The entire family benefits from the protection a woman receives in job security, cash and medical benefits, and peace of mind to be with her newborn and to recuperate.• Fathers and partners benefit from being equal partners in parenting, and sharing parental and paternity leaves.• Babies are sick less often, so both families and nations save on health care costs, with lower morbidity and mortality rates.• Employers benefit from having a more contented and productive workforce due to less employee bsenteeism, increased loyalty and less staff turnover. “Lactation programs have been found to produce a 3 to 1 Return on Investment!” • States become more egalitarian and enhance human resource, wealth and societal well-being by protecting women workers

EVERYONE BENEFITS FROM MEASURES PROTECTING MATERNITY AT THE WORKPLACE!