International Breastfeeding Week? 

Day of the Breastfeed?   International Breastfeeding Day?     Boobie Week? 

Every year World Breastfeeding Week (WBW) is celebrated in the first week of August in commemoration of the 1990 Innocenti Declaration which set the ball rolling for global commitments to protect and promote breastfeeding. WBW is coordinated by the World Alliance for Breastfeeding Action (WABA) and it is not just another ‘day of the’ or ‘week of the’ but ‘a global campaign to raise awareness and galvanise action on themes related to breastfeeding’. Each year WBW aims to inform, anchor, engage and galvanise action on breastfeeding and related issues.  

WBW is marked with special events and promotions and celebrations by the Australian Breastfeeding Association every year. The thirty – second WBW theme (this year) is Breastfeeding Support for All and ABA’s focus will include our work with priority communities, accessibility and inclusion.  

#WBW2024 provides a moment for ABA to promote and share our vision for a breastfeeding inclusive society ensuring access to breastfeeding support for all. This includes access to our National Breastfeeding Helpline and the use of the Translating and Interpreting Services (TIS).   

We have stories from ABA volunteers who support Culturally and Linguistically Diverse women to connect with their local breastfeeding community and from mums born outside of Australia who have reached out to the ABA family over the years for support. In alignment with the #WBW2024 theme, we will also promote our emergency resources, Breastfeeding in emergencies: a lifeline for families during the week.  

During #WBW2024 ABA also have an online event for Health Professionals in partnership with LCANZ. The panel will be presenting on supporting vulnerable breastfeeding mothers. Keep an eye out for details to come.  

So, what can you do in #WBW2024 to draw attention to the importance of breastfeeding?  Many people and organisations organise annual actions or events that can draw people together and raise awareness. Here are some suggestions: 

  • A trivia quiz online or in person about breastfeeding 
  • A morning tea with themed cakes and a presentation about ABA’s services or the latest research about breastfeeding support 
  • Prominent display of the #WBW2024 logo and infographic on your facility’s website for the week 

Maybe your organisation could also recognise the clinicians who make extra efforts to support breastfeeding mothers and families in all the other ‘non-WBW’ weeks! 

Have a wonderful WBW this year and keep an eye out for ABA everywhere.