World Breastfeeding Week: 1st–7th August 2025

Every year, from the 1st to the 7th of August, the world observes World Breastfeeding Week to promote awareness and action around the critical importance of breastfeeding. Breastfeeding is more than a means of feeding a baby — it is a natural, powerful, and loving act that nourishes the child physically, emotionally, and immunologically. It lays the foundation for lifelong health, boosts immunity, strengthens the emotional bond between mother and baby, and promotes safe, sustainable infant nutrition.

The benefits of breastfeeding are profound and far-reaching. For society, breastfeeding reduces healthcare costs and environmental burden, as there is no need for costly formula or wasteful packaging. It fosters healthier families and communities in the long term. For babies, breast milk is nature’s perfect food. It enhances brain development, builds strong immunity, reduces the risk of diarrhea, allergies, infections, and helps maintain a healthy weight. The nutritional content of breast milk is unmatched and adapts to the changing needs of the infant. For mothers, breastfeeding offers protection against breast and ovarian cancer, lowers the risk of postpartum depression, aids uterine recovery, promotes emotional bonding, and helps with natural postpartum weight loss.

As a physiotherapist specializing in obstetrics and gynecology, I have observed the transformative role physiotherapy can play in supporting breastfeeding. From guiding proper feeding positions to reducing nipple pain, postural discomfort, and musculoskeletal issues, physiotherapists help mothers experience breastfeeding in a pain-free and empowered way. We also assist in managing conditions such as mastitis, improving latching and milk flow, and providing emotional support, which significantly reduces the risk of complications. Education, empathy, and guidance from physiotherapists make the breastfeeding journey more comfortable and confident for new mothers.

Support from partners, families, and communities is vital. Encouragement at home, support at work through breastfeeding breaks and private spaces, and professional help from lactation consultants and physiotherapists all contribute to breastfeeding success. A mother’s ability to breastfeed confidently should never be limited by a lack of social or institutional support.

Even mothers who are athletes or fitness-conscious can successfully breastfeed. Contrary to common myths, exercising does not affect milk quality or supply. In fact, physical activity helps improve mood, releases oxytocin which supports emotional and muscle recovery, and assists in weight control by utilizing stored fat for milk production. Feeding or pumping before a workout is a practical way to ensure comfort during exercise sessions.

However, when mothers are unable or choose not to breastfeed, there can be some disadvantages for both mother and baby. Babies who are not breastfed miss out on the natural antibodies present in breast milk, which protect against infections and strengthen the immune system. They may have an increased risk of respiratory illnesses, gastrointestinal infections, obesity, and certain chronic conditions later in life. For the mother, not breastfeeding may result in a slower postpartum recovery, missed protective benefits against certain cancers, and reduced emotional bonding that often comes naturally with the act of breastfeeding. Additionally, the financial cost of formula feeding and the emotional pressure of feeding alternatives may pose challenges.

It’s important to break the myths that hold mothers back. Breastfeeding is not always painful when done correctly with proper latching. Breast size has no bearing on milk production. Breast milk contains live antibodies, which formula simply cannot replicate. Breastfeeding does not cause breast sagging — genetics and aging do. And yes, working mothers can continue breastfeeding through expressed milk and supportive maternity policies.

Successful breastfeeding requires patience and persistence. Feeding on demand, ensuring proper latch and position, staying hydrated and nourished, and seeking timely professional help can make all the difference. Mothers should never hesitate to reach out — support is available, and their well-being is just as important as their baby’s.

As we celebrate this year’s World Breastfeeding Week, let us commit to empowering every mother with knowledge, care, and a supportive environment. Breastfeeding is not just a mother’s responsibility — it is a shared societal commitment to future generations.

Warm regards,

Dr. Aayushi Panwar

Women's Health Physiotherapist