Listen up – it’s World Breastfeeding Week

In celebration of this year's World Breastfeeding Week (WBW) and in line with the 2022 theme "Step up for Breastfeeding - Educate and Support", Medela is focusing on the wonders of breast milk throughout the entire week.  

We have created The Amazing Science of Mother’s Milk, an evidence-based podcast on breast milk. Based on our award-winning eBook, the six-part podcast focuses on what happens in a woman's body while breastfeeding, the composition of breast milk and its effects on mom and baby, and explores the myths and facts - amazing, fascinating and backed by science. 

The importance of celebrating WBW  

While breastfeeding is a critical first step in a child's journey to a healthy future, giving them the best possible start in life, it is also a crucial element of the global effort to create a healthier, more prosperous and sustainable planet. As a practical step towards protecting the survival and health of babies and women, breastfeeding is a key component of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and is linked to many of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), including goals on poverty, hunger, health, education, gender equality and sustainable consumption.  

Not only is breastfeeding one of the most effective - and cost-effective - investments countries can make in the health of their youngest members and in the future health of their economies and societies. Increased breastfeeding also generates more than US$300 billion in additional income each year - almost 0.5% of global gross national income. In addition, breastfeeding is linked to important gender equality issues, including rights in the workplace. Similarly, breastfeeding is one of the most important nutritional interventions to reduce under-five mortality rates and is produced and consumed with a minimal environmental footprint. ^1,2,3 

"Breastfeeding is the ‘smartest investment’ families, communities and countries can make." United Nations 

As part of Medela Cares, the company’s social responsibility program, we made a commitment to fight infant mortality and malnutrition and improve access to education - consistent with this year's official WBW theme "Step up for Breastfeeding - Educate and Support". Throughout this special week, we will share a podcast on The Amazing Science of Mother's Milk that addresses the benefits of breast milk for mom and baby; provides moms with key information about breastfeeding, breast milk and pumping; offers practical tips for this exciting time; and dispels some myths about breastfeeding - all in support of breastfeeding. 

Listen in and enjoy our podcast on The Amazing Science of Mother's Milk. 

• In English: The Amazing Science of Mother's Milk

• In German: Was Muttermilch so einzigartig macht