The benefits of breastfeeding for babies and mothers are being celebrated during National Breastfeeding Week in Canada.

Bruce Krentz with the Northern Health Regions shares some of them here.

“Breastmilk has just the right amount of fats, vitamins, proteins, carbohydrates and minerals for optimal infant growth. Breastmilk also contains antibodies, and other immune factors to help protect against infections and disease. There is just a lot of health benefits both short and long term for mothers and for babies and the special relationship between the two of them.”

Krentz added that since 2015 the global rate of exclusive breastfeeding for babies up to 6 months has grown from 38 per cent to 48 per cent in 2021.

The goal is to reach 50 per cent by 2025.

This year’s theme for the week is ““Closing the gap: Breastfeeding support for all.”