Happy World Breastfeeding Week

Today through August 7th is World Breastfeeding Week, and this year’s theme is intended to encourage the initiation of breastfeeding within the first hour of life.

Initiation of breastfeeding within the 1st hour of birth is the first and most vital step towards reducing infant and under-five mortality, by reducing the overwhelmingly high neonatal mortality rate. Save ONE million babies – beginning with one action, one hour support and one message: beginning breastfeeding within the 1st hour of birth!

The campaign website includes numerous photos of women breastfeeding, and the parent organization (World Alliance for Breastfeeding Action) website provides additional breastfeeding news and information.

Womon and Sprout has an additional set of breastfeeding images.

I think we’ll try to have at least one breastfeeding-related post here per day for WBW, so check back later. In the meantime, check out La Leche League USA’s list of World Breastfeeding Week events by state.