World Breastfeeding Week 2025: Quiz Answers!
Carene It’s that time of year again! World Breastfeeding week 2025 has flown by as quickly as it arrived. As you may know by now, every year from 1 to 7 August, we celebrate World Breastfeeding Week. It’s a global campaign coordinated by the World Alliance for Breastfeeding Action (WABA), and it focuses on promoting, protecting, and supporting breastfeeding worldwide. Each year has a specific theme, and this year’s theme is: “Prioritise Breastfeeding. Create sustainable support systems.”
The focus this year was orientated towards the positive impact that breastfeeding can have on the environment. Placing focus on how implementing better breastfeeding support programs can also act as a climate change support strategy.
“Breastfeeding is a natural, renewable food that is environmentally safe.”
If you know me, you might know that I can be painfully environmentally conscious in my everyday life. From traveling with a reusable coffee cup and smoothy container, to recycling, composting and eco-bricking. But, providing breastfeeding support to mothers and babies takes the cake in making a mark towards climate change. That is why I do my best to go big during Breastfeeding Week. Teaching you that anyone can contribute to breastfeeding support, and in turn the health of our world.
Here is what I was up to this week…
First off, the good old information stall at Mediclinic Paarl. Some people just pass by, grabbing a sweet, some stop for a second to glance, but some stop to read. This year I added a bit of a light show, with some hidden LED’s to light up the Breastfeeding quiz barcode. I can feel the vibe change as soon as the stall has been set up. People start asking me questions like how to donate breast milk, what services I offer, just saying happy Breastfeeding week and even asking me where are the sweets!
As always, I bake a ton of droplet cookies to hand out to the doctors, nurses, colleagues and supportive hospital staff. Some regular faces seem to expect the cookies, and some new faces seem appreciative to receive theirs. I might have to bake a bit more next year!
I had a wonderful Breastfeeding Q&A live session with the Motherhood App team on 5 August. We had quite a few breastfeeding and expectant mothers joining in to ask me all sorts of questions. From pumping and preparing to go back to work, to requesting hospital visits and everything related to diet and breastfeeding.
I also had the privilege of learning more about breastfeeding this week through the LACSA online conference. Each day a new presentation was made available. Fellow lactation consultants from various disciplines from all over Africa have presented valuable information, with topics including:
- Transitioning from NICU: A Speech Therapists Perspective – by Sofia Moutzoures B Sp and H Therapy, SACLC
- The Power of mentorship in advancing skilled lactation care – by Dr Doreen Mazakpwe IBCLC, MBChB, MSc. Human Nutrition
- Hypoglycaemia in the newborn – by Bronwyn Balcomb RD(SA) IBCLC
- Immediate Breastfeeding Support after birth until discharge: gaps, challenges & possible solutions – by Mili Karina Public Health specialist, RN, RM, IBCLC, Doula, CBE, MIYCN & Bereavement counsellor
- Low milk supply and PCOS – by Heather Jepson Professional Nurse, RM, CHN &RPN, B.Cur (Ed et Adm), SACLC
- Low milk supply: is it perceived or real – by Emma Numanoglu RN, RM, BA (communication science & psychology), BSc (Hons) psychology, SACLC, IBCLC
- Protecting breastfeeding through maternity protection and safeguarding against conflicts of interest – by Catherine (Katie) Pereira-Kotze RD(SA), M Nutrition, PhD Public Health
I listened to these presentations while packing all the droplet cookies at night. I will need to submit an evaluation sheet with questions posed by each of these presenters to qualify for the CPD points. I promise it is much harder than the quiz I have compiled for you.
The answers to the Breastfeeding Quiz!
This year has been a step up from 2024. The excitement to complete the quiz was definitely more tangible than before. I believe this might be attributed to the amazing prizes that were up for grabs this year. Full Circle Food offered their Starter pack frozen meal delivery to the value of R1190! I got so excited about this prize that I went ahead and bought myself a pack to test out during this busy week. And did they deliver! Super delicious and nutritious meals that are easy to eat up and enjoy. Moi Magnets is a business close to home that offered a personalized fridge magnet set to the value of R300. Capturing your favorite family memories right on your fridge to revisit every day.
So…without further delay, here are the answers to the 2025 Breastfeeding week Quiz:
The results of the Breastfeeding Quiz:
This year anyone could enter via the link. The link was shared on multiple platforms such as Instagram and with the collaborators. I added a barcode sticker to the back of each droplet cookie that I handed out during the week to prompt people to complete the quiz. There was a total of 66 responses, of which 4 were duplicates and removed from the results. A great improvement from the 37 responses last year.
All the participants were female, from a wide range of professions. From nurses (26%), surgeons, allied health professionals (11%), hospital staff (12%) like clerks and cleaners, educators (14%) to a sports scientist and Aquatic Ecologist. About 20% of the participants described themselves as mothers in some form, although I suspect the percentage would be higher if they were prompted to specify whether they are mothers. I was very happy to see a fellow breastfeeding supporter and mother care provider listed as well.
The majority of the participants (48%) selected 6 months as the World Health Organization (WHO) and United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) recommendation for the duration of breastfeeding. Only 38% of the participants correctly selected 2 years or beyond as the recommended breastfeeding duration.
When describing colostrum, most participants seemed to be familiar with the fact that it is a nutritious liquid suitable for newborns (85%). Most also seem to know that colostrum is rich in antibodies (77%), and proteins (54%). There was a small amount of participants that believe that colostrum is watery and of low nutritional and biological value (14%).
Nearly all the participants (96%) understand that woman can pump their breast milk prior to returning to work to allow milk to be stored in the freezer to be fed by an alternative caregiver (88%), once the mother has returned to work. Minimal participants believed that babies should be weaned from the breast (21%) prior to the mother returning to work, or introduced to a bottle after birth (16%).
The majority of participants (77%) are under the impression that the Code of Good Practice on the Protection of Employees during Pregnancy and after the Birth of a Child mandates that mothers are provided with a private space for the employee to pump and store her breast milk, while also being granted two additional 30min breaks to do so.
Breast milk and breastfeeding is considered to remain beneficial in terms of nutritional and biological value after the infant is 1 year old, by 87% of the participants.
Skin to skin contact is considered to be helpful for stimulating the mother’s milk supply (88%), to improve the baby’s breathing (66%) and to improve the baby’s blood sugar level (59%). Only 11% of the participants considered skin to skin contact as a cause for the baby more needy.
Most of the participants (82%) are aware of the International Code of Marketing of Breast milk Substitutes’ prohibition of marketing of formula to health care professionals and mothers through branded gifts and free samples.
Less than half of the participants (41%) know that the current global percentage of babies that are breast fed up to the age of 2 years is 45%.
All of the participants know that woman who produce excess breast milk can donate their milk to a Breast Milk Bank to be used as life-line feeds to vulnerable, premature babies.
The bonus question, on the challenges that breastfeeding mothers experience, was an open-ended question where participants could enter as much or little information as they wanted. The answers vary from single challenges to lists. The main challenge listed by the participants was difficulties with latching causing nipple damage and painful feeding (32%). Challenges related to milk supply (24%), returning to work (24%) and poor breastfeeding support (25%) were also frequently mentioned.
Discussion of the Breastfeeding Quiz results:
The results from the quiz reveal that there are gaps in the knowledge of breastfeeding. The gaps seem to be mostly related to the rights and recommendations of the working, breastfeeding mother.
These questions were compiled to challenge certain beliefs stemming from old ideas or misinformation, while others aim to educate on basic breastfeeding practices.
The recommended duration of breastfeeding by the WHO and UNICEF is to continue breastfeeding for 2 years or beyond (WHO, 2025). There is no cut off time for breastfeeding and can continue for as long as the mother and child desires. My suspicion is that some participants might have misunderstood the question, thinking that it relates to the exclusive breastfeeding recommendation of 6 months. There is a definite need to promote a longer breastfeeding duration, as the perception is often to wean between 6 months to 1 year.
The specificity of colostrum for newborns seems to be mostly well known. Colostrum is the first milk produced from mid-pregnancy (12 to 18 weeks) up to a few days after the birth. It is often sticky, thick and low in volume. Parents often think it is not nutritious and not enough for the newborn baby, causing them to opt for formula in the first few days. This misperception can easily sabotage the initiation of breastfeeding. Those small amounts of milk are packed with immune cells such as antibodies and white blood cells. The composition consists mainly of protein, salt, fats and vitamins. The newborn baby’s small stomach can only handle a few drops, about 1 to 4 teaspoons of colostrum per day. (American Pregnancy Association, 2025)
The options for breastfeeding mothers returning to work are generally thought to include pumping before returning to work and while separated from the baby at work. The question should have been better described to perhaps include “Breastfeeding mothers who wish to continue providing their baby with breast milk while at work”. This might have yielded a better response, as all the answers listed are applicable but not necessarily facilitative of continued breastfeeding. It is generally recommended to delay pumping and bottle feeding for the first 6 weeks, to avoid over stimulation of milk supply and possible breast refusal by the baby ( (International, 2025). Ideally, direct breastfeeding should continue as much as possible once the mother has returned to work to maintain adequate stimulation at the beast and reduce the baby’s separation anxiety.
The Code of Good Practice on the Protection of Employees during Pregnancy and after the Birth of a Child is not well known. South Africa’s Basic Conditions of Employment Act (No. 75 of 1997), mandates that employers of breastfeeding employees should allow for two 30-minute breastfeeding or expressing breaks per day for the first six months after birth. Further the employers should provide pregnant and breast-feeding employees with time off to be able to attend antenatal and postnatal clinics as required during pregnancy and after birth (Side-by-Side). However, they DO NOT have to provide a private space for the employee to pump and store her breastmilk during working hours. This is more prevalent in other countries, which is why those of you who Googled might have been given the wrong answer. Read all about Breastfeeding in the workplace in my blog article.
The value of breastfeeding after 1 year seems to be well understood by the participants. In my practice I have noticed many women who are pressured to stop breastfeeding after one year because of poor understanding of the benefits and social norms. The WHO describes breast milk as the main source of energy and nutrients for the infant for the first 6 months of life, and continues to provide up to half or more of a child’s nutritional needs during the second half of the first year, and up to one third during the second year of life (WHO, Breastfeeding, 2025)
The benefits of continued skin to skin contact are generally well known, but poorly practiced. Many parents often cease putting the baby skin to skin after the first hour after birth. Keeping the baby against the chest, without clothing is known to be a life-saving intervention. The benefits include:
- Improved regulation of temperature, breathing and heart rate.
- Stimulates digestion and interest in feeding.
- Aids in beneficial bacterial colonization from the mother’s skin, which builds up the immune system.
- Stimulates the release of oxytocin for both mother and baby, aiding in calming and bonding.
- Can contribute to the stimulation of the mother’s milk supply.
It can be performed at any point in time when the baby needs comforting and is not willing to breastfeed. It is especially vital in Neonatal Intensive Care Units to aid in the regulation of those vulnerable babies (UNICEF, 2025). Skin to skin contact can continue at home for as long as the mother (or father) is happy to do so (NHS, 2025).
The International Code of Marketing of Breast-milk Substitutes seems to be well understood by the participants. In my 11 years of practice in the infant feeding space I have noticed that these breast milk substitute companies find creative ways to market their products with health care professionals and among mothers. While we might think it’s harmless, it very subtly displays that we trust and promote their products. Health care professionals often become biased toward the company that gives the best or most gifts. So no, not even the branded pen should be used. For mothers it may be a lot worse. These companies often play on doubt, especially with regards to breastfeeding, and common and often normal infant struggles like cramps. The code R991, as we know it, was published in the Government gazette in 2012 but has not been updated since (DOH, 2012). This is a problem because it does not include rules relating to marketing on social media platforms which has become the main place for marketing products in this age. We also have a lot more products relating to infant feeding which is not included in the code.
The global percentage of babies that are breast fed up to the age of 2 is 45%. Which is easy to find on Google. The global target for 2030 set by WHO and UNICEF is 60%. So, we have a long way to go, with only 5 years left. There is a lot of stigmas to change as mentioned previously but also lack of awareness of the importance and benefits of breastfeeding beyond 1 year. This is evident when we see that the global percentage of babies that are breastfed up to one year is 70% (WHO and UNICEF, 2019). Showing a massive decline in breastfeeding after 1 year.
The donation of excess breast milk is well known by the participants. The community breast milk bank in the Western Cape is called Milk Matters. The South African Breastmilk Reserve has branches in many provinces around South Africa. Unfortunately, in South Africa the availability of donor breast milk is scarce and can only be prioritized for the most vulnerable babies that are admitted in the Neonatal Intensive Care unit. These babies are extremely susceptible to serios conditions such as Necrotizing enterocolitis, for which breast milk is the best prevention method. If their own mothers cannot provide enough breast milk or not present, then donor breast milk is the next best option.
“Mothers Expressing For Others” sums up what our donor mothers do – they express and donate breastmilk that is in excess of their own baby needs, thus giving a lifeline to other babies.” – Milk Matters
The challenges that breastfeeding mothers experience are vast and valid. Reading all the challenges listed by the participants really pulled some heart strings. The main challenge mentioned was related to latching difficulties and subsequent painful feeding or damaged nipples. This correlates with the research which has found a shocking 70% of woman that struggle with this during the first month (Gianni & al, 2019). The painful reality (pardon the pun) is that this is very preventable. There are many techniques and practices that can be implemented from day one to help the mother and baby feed comfortably and effectively. It is the lack of skilled support that causes so many mothers to breastfeed in pain. Which was listed by the participants as the second most common challenge. Concerns about milk supply is another very common challenge and something that often comes up in my practice. It takes skill, confidence and trust to produce copious amounts of breast milk. These aspects are very often undermined by the people that are supposed to support the breastfeeding mother. The research reports that about half of the woman in the study struggled with concerns of low milk supply (Gianni & al, 2019). I want to urge you all to find kinder words and softer touch when dealing with breastfeeding mothers, while helping to build their confidence.
“If you’re a new mom then you would ask "is my milk sufficient enough", am I covered up, am I doing it correctly. When it's your second and third baby you trust your body. You know you’re the best option and form of nutrition. So the challenge would be "I hope my baby nurses till two years old".”
A Heartfelt Thank You!
I have been actively participating in World Breastfeeding Week since 2014 as a community service dietitian. My activities have evolved each year as my skill level, qualifications and appreciation for breastfeeding grew. I feel like this year was even better than the last, and it’s all thanks to you! Every person that took the time to visit my information stall, follow along on social media, eat my cookies, participate in the quiz and read this blog. I trust you felt the love for and learnt something valuable about breastfeeding.
Thank you for making Breastfeeding week fun again!
References
American Pregnancy Association. (2025, August 8). Colostrum – The Superfood For Your Newborn. Retrieved from American Pregnancy Association: https://americanpregnancy.org/healthy-pregnancy/breastfeeding/colostrum-is-superfood-for-your-newborn/
DOH. (2012). Department of Health. REGULATIONS RELATING TO FOODSTUFFS FOR INFANTS AND YOUNG CHILDREN. Staatskoerant.
Gianni, M. L., & al, e. (2019). Breastfeeding Difficulties and Risk for Early Breastfeeding Cessation. National Library of Medicine.
International, L. L. (2025, August 8). Introducing a bottle to a breastfed baby. Retrieved from La Leche League International: https://llli.org/breastfeeding-info/introducing-a-bottle-to-a-breastfed-baby/
NHS. (2025, August 8). Retrieved from Skin-to-skin contact with your newborn: https://www.nhs.uk/start-for-life/baby/baby-basics/caring-for-your-baby/skin-to-skin-contact-with-your-newborn/#:~:text=skin%20at%20home-,Benefits%20of%20skin%2Dto%2Dskin%20contact,stimulate%20your%20baby’s%20feeding%20instincts
Side-by-Side. (n.d.). Supporting breastfeeding in the Workplace. A guide for employers and employees. Department of Health.
UNICEF. (2025, August 8). Retrieved from Skin-to-skin contact: https://www.unicef.org.uk/babyfriendly/baby-friendly-resources/implementing-standards-resources/skin-to-skin-contact/
WHO. (2025, Agugust 8). Retrieved from Breastfeeding: https://www.who.int/health-topics/breastfeeding#tab=tab_1
WHO. (2025, August 8). World Health Organization. Retrieved from https://www.who.int/health-topics/breastfeeding#tab=tab_1
WHO and UNICEF. (2019). GLOBAL BREASTFEEDING SCORECARD.
Comments (2)
Mirize
Thank you for this! Love everything about you and this newsletter. Looking forward reading more x
Carene Joubert
Wow! thank you so much Mirize, you made my day! This makes all the hard work pay off