World Breastfeeding Week (WBW) is an annual celebration held from August 1st to the 7th to reestablish a global breastfeeding culture, provide support for breastfeeding parents everywhere, and legally protect breastfeeding.
WBW is organized by WABA (World Alliance for Breastfeeding Action), WHO (World Health Organization), and UNICEF. It is celebrated in over 150 countries. The main goal is to promote exclusive breastfeeding for the first six months of life, which has significant benefits in health, nutrients, and diseases. It also helps young children grow and promotes brain development. Because of the vital antibodies contained in breastmilk, it’s also considered to be the infant’s first “vaccine.”
History of World Breastfeeding Week
The 1990 Innocenti Declaration brought about movements supporting and sharing the benefits of breastfeeding. In many ways, this ushered in the beginnings of the WBW campaign. WBW started officially in 1992, with annual themes including healthcare systems, women and work, the International Code of Marketing Breastmilk Substitutes, community, ecology, economy, science, education, and human rights.
WBW has gained support from countries and governments all over the world, and continues to unite largely diverse communities for a common cause, ultimately helping infants and boosting their quality of life.
World Breastfeeding Week Objectives
WBW was created for a purpose, and the foundational goals remain the same from year to year. The official objectives of the week are:
Inform – to inform people about the benefits of breastmilk and links between gender-equitable parental social protection and breastfeeding.
Anchor – to anchor breastfeeding benefits and protections in law, education, and policy.
Engage – to engage with individuals and organizations to support breastfeeding in their community and around the world.
Galvanize – to galvanize individuals to take action on gender-equitable parental social protection to advance breastfeeding.
Theme of 2019: Empower Parents, Enable Breastfeeding
2019’s theme “Empower Parents, Enable Breastfeeding” was chosen to include all types of parents. Supporting both mothers and fathers is vital to help families realize their breastfeeding goals.
The process of empowerment requires access to evidence-based, unbiased information and support to create an environment where mothers can breastfeed optimally. While breastfeeding itself is in a mother’s responsibility, fathers, partners, families, workplaces, and communities need to support mothers in order to improve breastfeeding. Breastfeeding is an overall team effort.
Platypus Media is Taking Action
Platypus Media is committed to the promotion and protection of breastfeeding. We donate six percent of our profits to breastfeeding organizations and abide by the rules of the WHO/UNICEF International Code of Marketing of Breastmilk Substitutes. Many organizations use Platypus Media products to run or give away at their WBW programming.
We produce and distribute books for young children that foreground the importance of breastfeeding. Images of animals caring and nurturing for their own babies helps normalize breastfeeding for all mammals. We also provide pamphlets and educational materials that tackle breastfeeding, the difficulties that one can face while trying to breastfeed, and how beneficial it is for both mother and child.
In honor of World Breastfeeding Week, we are offering a number discounts that will expire at the end of the week. Stock up now!
Beautifully Illustrated Breastfeeding Books as low as $2.95!
These award-winning picture books celebrate breastfeeding throughout the natural world. Both books model the warm, nurturing bond between parent and child - whether they are pandas, pigs, or people.
Each retails for $9.95, but in observance of WBW we are happy to offer the following prices:
10-99 books: $6.95 each
100-499 books: $4.95 each
500-999 books: $3.95 each
1000+ books: $2.95 each
Babies Nurse introduces the most natural and loving act - mothers nursing their young. Winner of a Parents’ Favorite Products Award, the book’s luminous illustrations and lyrical text give children a glimpse into the worlds of 13 different mammal babies. It is available in English, as well as a bilingual English/Spanish edition.
Cuddled and Carried captures the curiosity of even the youngest readers as they see how animal mothers tend to their cubs, pups, calves, and chicks. Babies—whether in snowy dens, warm lagoons, cozy nests, or living rooms—are carried and cuddled, nurtured and nuzzled. It is available in English, as well as a bilingual English/Spanish edition.
Fact-packed booklet for dads as low as $2.95!
Purchase 1-99 copies for $2 each
Purchase 100+ copies for $1.50 each
Choosing to support breastfeeding is one of the most important decisions a father can make. Breastfeeding Facts for Fathers helps new dads understand the pivotal role they play in raising a healthy, thriving child. Available in English and Spanish editions.
Essential pamphlets for only 10 cents!
Get either of these handouts for only 10¢ each when you order a minimum of 100:
Grow a Healthy Baby / Keep a Healthy Baby is a dual-sided instructional booklet that assists moms in taking the necessary measures to promote a healthy pregnancy and keep her newborn healthy. Written in a clear, concise, easy to read format, it is as engaging as it is accessible. This 12-page pamphlet is available in both English and Spanish.
Breastfeeding: Coping With Crisis reassures new mothers and teaches them how to prepare for and deal with crises—without sacrificing care of their babies. This easy-to-read pamphlet explains that breastfeeding is important for both moms and babies, especially during hard times. The information in this pamphlet is crucial for all parents interested in protecting their families in an uncertain world. Available in both English and Spanish.
Observe World Breastfeeding Week with Platypus Media titles and pamphlets!
How will you celebrate?