Its World Breastfeeding Week, observed globally from August 1^st to 7^th, and here in St. Kitts and Nevis, the Ministry of Health is celebrating all month long, under the theme: “Invest in breastfeeding, invest in the future.”

Chief Medical Officer, Dr. Hazel Laws, says breastfeeding is more than a personal act, it’s a public health investment. She noted that breast milk gives babies the best start to life, boosting their immune system, supporting brain development and lowering the risk of illnesses like diabetes, asthma and obesity. It also benefits mothers, reducing their risk of certain cancers and high blood pressure while saving families and the nation on healthcare costs.

The World Health Organization recommends exclusive breastfeeding for the first six months and the Ministry is supporting mothers through free antenatal care, counselling and trained lactation teams at hospitals and health centers.a