World Breastfeeding Week is celebrated every year from Aug. 1 to 7, to encourage breastfeeding and improve the health of babies around the world. Breastfeeding is the best way to provide infants with the nutrients they need. The World Health Organization (WHO) recommends exclusive breastfeeding starting within one hour after birth until a baby is six-months-old.

This year, WHO is encouraging people to “Support mums to breastfeed anytime, anywhere,” as all of society has a role to play in making our communities more breastfeeding-friendly.

NJHA is doing its part through its annual Statewide Mother-Baby Summit, to be held Sept. 19 at NJHA's Conference and Event Center. This learning session will focus on the goals of both the WHO and the HEALTHY Beginnings NJ collaborative to implement ten steps to successful breastfeeding and increase breastfeeding rates in maternity hospitals around the state.

Registration is open for the Statewide Mother-Baby Summit, and is open to physicians, managers, nurses, quality professionals, lactation consultants, heads of community health education, public health professionals and support staff.