Breastfeeding is a vital part of providing every child with the healthiest start to life. It is a baby’s best source of nutrition and it can bolster brain development. Breastfeeding is a smart investment and can save 520,000 children’s lives in the next 10 years. Not only does breastfeeding improve the life and development of a child, it can also improve the health of women and benefit a country’s economy. According to the World Health Organization, every $1 invested in breastfeeding generates $35 in economic returns. As we celebrate World Breastfeeding Week, we highlight the importance of breastfeeding for children and nations.
The Impact of Breastfeeding
- Supporting breastfeeding can avoid nearly 50 percent of diarrhea and other common diseases such as pneumonia.
- Breastfeeding could prevent 823,000 child deaths per year.
- Breastfeeding can build a young child’s brain and contribute to higher IQ scores.