Washington, DC–(ENEWSPF)–August 1, 2013. Today, August 1, marks the start of World Breastfeeding Week, a time when organizations and communities bring attention to the benefits of breastfeeding and offer moms support and encouragement to be successful at breastfeeding. The Department of Health and Human Servicesâ (HHS) Office on Womenâs Health (OWH) and Office of Minority Health (OMH) are pleased to join together in recognizing this week and supporting women who want to breastfeed. Breastfeeding is one of the most effective measures that a mother can take to improve health outcomes for herself and her baby. Babies who breastfeed have a lower risk of ear and lower respiratory infections, and sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS). For mothers, breastfeeding is linked to a lower risk of breast cancers, and ovarian cancers, and postpartum depression.
