The Ministry of Women and Child Development, Government of India, will observe World Breastfeeding Week 2026 from 1st to 7th August across the country. This year's theme is Breastfeeding for a Sustainable Start in Life: Strengthen What Works. The week-long campaign will create awareness among families, communities and healthcare providers about early initiation of breastfeeding, exclusive breastfeeding for the first six months, and continued breastfeeding up to two years and beyond alongside appropriate complementary feeding.

Breastfeeding is among the most effective interventions for child survival, healthy growth and cognitive development. The Ministry urges families to ensure every newborn receives breast milk within the first hour after birth — the Golden Hour. The first milk, colostrum, often called the baby’s first natural vaccine, is rich in antibodies and essential nutrition, and must not be discarded.

Exclusive breastfeeding for the first six months means feeding the baby only breast milk — no water, honey, ghutti, glucose or formula. Breast milk alone meets all of an infant’s nutritional and hydration needs during this period. After six months, complementary foods should be introduced while continuing breastfeeding up to two years and beyond. Mothers are encouraged to maintain skin-to-skin contact after birth, breastfeed frequently, and seek guidance from ASHA workers, Anganwadi Workers or healthcare providers whenever needed. Working mothers may express and safely store breast milk. Breastfeeding also benefits mothers — supporting postpartum recovery and reducing the risk of breast and ovarian cancers, type-2 diabetes and postpartum depression.

The Ministry calls upon healthcare professionals, community workers, families and citizens to create an enabling environment where every mother is empowered to breastfeed, and every child receives the best possible start in life.

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SS/PC