World Breastfeeding Week 2008 started August 1 and runs through August 7th. This year’s theme is “Mother Support: Going for the Gold”. 120 countries will participate in The World Alliance for Breastfeeding Action (WABA) celebrate the signing of the Innocenti Declaration on the Protection, Promotion and Support of Breastfeeding. WABA is using the upcoming Olympics to tie in their theme and hopefully to increase support for breastfeeding mothers.

In conjunction with the Olympics next August, WBW 2008 calls for greater support for mothers in achieving the gold standard of infant feeding: breastfeeding exclusively for six months, and providing appropriate complementary foods with continued breastfeeding for up to two years or beyond.

As every country sends its best athletes to compete at these global games, it is important to remind ourselves that, in a similar fashion, a healthy young athlete can only emerge from a healthy start on life. There is no question that optimal infant and young child feeding is essential for optimal growth and development.

Of course most of us in this country have heard that breast is best and all about the many health benefits to breastfeeding and yet many women still don’t have the support to develop a successful breastfeeding relationship with their babies. Breastfeeding does not necessarily come naturally. There can be numerous obstacles that can make it frustrating or painful. Without support many women might give up and I don’t blame them.

I have had three babies now. My first attempt at breastfeeding was incredibly difficult. My son was a sleepy baby and started out little. He lost a lot of weight and we had to work really hard at getting it to work. If I had not had the support from my family, doctor and a great lactation consultant, I am not sure I would have been able to breastfeed him well past a year.

My second was much easier thank goodness! Now with my third I am right in the middle of dealing with thrush. So not fun. Luckily we got to see the doctor today and will hopefully start feeling better in a couple of days and it won’t come back! I know that breastfeeding her is what is right for her, me and our family and that is what keeps me going even when I want to cry.

I wish that every woman who chooses to breastfeed her child had the support that she needs to stick with it. That can make all the difference in the world.

Here are some great breastfeeding resources:

What are your ideas in how to help support women who choose to breastfeed?