World Breastfeeding Week is celebrated globally from August 1 to 7 and this year’s theme focuses on how breastfeeding contributes to the survival, health and wellbeing of all. It also highlights how important it is to protect the right to breastfeed worldwide.Actor, producer and champion for nature Dia Mirza says, “We should not need a special occasion to acknowledge how important it is to disseminate awareness and correct information about breastfeeding. As a new mom, breastfeeding and related issues have become even more meaningful to me than ever before. I have become even more acutely aware of the lack of safe spaces for new mothers especially if they happen to be socially and economically marginalised.”Dia feels it is ironic that on one hand motherhood is glorified and on the other, we grow uncomfortable and judgemental if a mother breastfeeds her baby in public. She says, “Feeding a child should be considered as a natural and sacred act but when it is done in public, it triggers so much shame and judgement.”She believes that families and communities must be sensitised to support breastfeeding mothers. Underserved lactating moms must be provided correct information about proper feeding techniques and be given adequate nutrition.
