ISLAMABAD, AUG 01 (DNA) — Expert on World Breastfeeding Week, from August 1st to 7th, raise awareness about the benefits of breastfeeding and advocate for the creation of supportive environments for breastfeeding mothers, while also addressing the barriers that hinder breastfeeding practices.

In an exclusive conversation with PTV News Channel, Principal SIMS Professor Zohra Khanum shed light on the theme for 2025’s World Breastfeeding Week. World Breastfeeding Week (WBW) is a crucial time to raise awareness about the benefits of breastfeeding and the support systems needed to ensure that mothers have the resources and knowledge to breastfeed successfully.  

The theme for 2025, “Priorities Breastfeeding: Create Sustainable Support Systems,” emphasizes the importance of creating lasting infrastructures that support breastfeeding mothers worldwide, whether through healthcare services, community support, or workplace policies, she added.

She emphasized that the primary focus of this year’s theme is to raise awareness about the importance of breastfeeding for both mothers and infants. According to Prof Khanum, it is crucial for women to consult healthcare professionals if they face any health issues during their breastfeeding journey.

Seeking medical advice ensures both the mother and child receive the best care and support, preventing any complications that could arise, she added. Prof Khanum also stressed the vital role of mother’s milk in the early stages of a child’s life, highlighting that it provides essential nutrients and antibodies that help protect newborns from infections.

She encouraged new and expecting mothers to understand the immense benefits of breastfeeding, not only for the child’s health but also for their own well-being, adding, this is why creating a supportive environment for mothers is key especially in communities where knowledge about breastfeeding might still be limited.

Furthermore, Prof Khanum called for greater awareness among young girls about the barriers preventing many women from breastfeeding. She pointed out that social, cultural and economic challenges often hinder the practice.

By educating young girls early on about the benefits of breastfeeding and the importance of overcoming these barriers, society can ensure future generations of women are better prepared to support breastfeeding as a natural, essential practice.

Raising awareness, she concluded, is the first step toward breaking down these barriers and promoting healthier outcomes for mothers and children.— DNA