Breastfeeding: Why It Matters and How to Make It Work

Health experts are using World Breastfeeding Week 2026 to re-emphasise the critical role of breastfeeding in protecting the health of mothers and babies, while calling for stronger community and policy support to help more women meet their breastfeeding goals.

Breast milk is widely recognised as the best first food for most infants. It provides ideal nutrition, supports brain development and helps protect babies from infections in the first months of life. The World Health Organization and other global health bodies recommend exclusive breastfeeding for about the first six months, followed by continued breastfeeding alongside appropriate complementary foods for up to two years or beyond.

In Nigeria, state governments and development partners have marked the week with advocacy campaigns. In Benue, for example, mothers shared their experiences with exclusive breastfeeding as the state government and UNICEF marked World Breastfeeding Week, urging more women to embrace the practice. The message is consistent: breastfeeding saves lives, reduces illness and supports long-term health, but mothers often need practical help to succeed.

Research shows that breastfed babies are less likely to develop diarrhoea, respiratory infections, ear infections and stomach bugs, and they often have fewer hospital visits in the first year of life. Breast milk contains antibodies and immune-supporting components such as IgA, lactoferrin and human milk oligosaccharides that help protect infants from germs and support a healthy gut.

Longer-term benefits are also documented. Studies link breastfeeding to lower risks of obesity, asthma, type 1 diabetes, certain childhood leukaemias and sudden infant death syndrome. Some research also suggests associations with better sleep patterns and a lower risk of ADHD symptoms in early childhood.

Mothers gain health advantages too. Breastfeeding helps the uterus contract after delivery, reducing postpartum bleeding. Over time, women who breastfeed longer have lower rates of breast and ovarian cancer, type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure and cardiovascular disease. Many also find it easier to return to their pre-pregnancy weight because lactation uses extra calories.

Despite the benefits, many mothers stop breastfeeding earlier than they intended. Global data suggest about 60 per cent of mothers do not breastfeed as long as they plan, often citing pain, concerns about low milk supply, work pressures and lack of support. In Nigeria and other low-resource settings, additional barriers include limited access to skilled lactation support, cultural myths and inadequate workplace policies.

Common myths persist in some communities. Some mothers have been told that colostrum is “dirty” or that giving water or formula in the first days is necessary. Evidence shows that colostrum is rich in antibodies and nutrients, and that healthy newborns do not need extra fluids in the first days if breastfeeding is well established. 

Health workers advise mothers to start breastfeeding within the first hour after birth, when the baby is alert and eager to feed. Early skin-to-skin contact helps stimulate milk production and encourages the baby to latch.

A good latch is crucial. Signs include the baby’s mouth wide open, taking more of the areola than just the nipple, lips flanged outward, rhythmic swallowing and a gentle tug rather than sharp pain. If breastfeeding is painful or the baby struggles to feed, seeking help from a lactation specialist or healthcare provider early can prevent bigger problems. 

Newborns typically need to feed 8–12 times a day. Mothers are encouraged to watch for early hunger cues such as rooting, hand-to-mouth movements, lip smacking and restlessness, and to feed before the baby becomes very upset. 

Self-care also matters. Breastfeeding mothers need extra calories, protein, vitamins, minerals and fluids. Keeping water nearby, eating balanced meals and resting when possible can help maintain milk supply.

Experts stress that breastfeeding is not something mothers should do alone. They call on partners, families, employers and communities to create enabling environments. That includes encouraging early initiation, supporting mothers in public spaces and workplaces and ensuring access to accurate information and skilled help.

World Breastfeeding Week serves as a reminder that while breastfeeding is a personal choice, it is also a public health priority. When communities normalise breastfeeding and provide practical assistance, more mothers are able to meet their goals. That matters because even small increases in breastfeeding duration can prevent thousands of child and maternal deaths globally each year. [unicefusa](https://www.unicefusa.org/what-unicef-does/childrens-health/breastfeeding)