In 2011, approximately 136.7 million babies were born worldwide, and only 32.6% of them were breastfed exclusively within the first 12 months. This year marks the 20th anniversary of World Breastfeeding Week (1 – 7 August 2012), which is meant to protect, encourage and support the practice of breastfeeding. Numerous countries do not have an effective infant and young child feeding program in place, and World Breastfeeding Week aims to bring awareness to this fact, as breastfeeding is the optimal infant feeding practice in reducing malnutrition, as well as poverty. Started by the World Alliance for Breastfeeding Action, World Breastfeeding Week shines a light on current national policies regarding infant and young child feeding and how they can be improved. In support of World Breastfeeding Week, here is a list of relevant Cochrane Reviews:
Interventions for encouraging women to start breastfeeding
Support for breastfeeding mothers
Breastfeeding or breast milk for procedural pain in neonates
