World Breastfeeding Week 2026

World Breastfeeding Week 2026

World Breastfeeding Week (WBW) 2026 is from Saturday 1st – Friday 7th August. The global theme set by the World Alliance for Breastfeeding Action (WABA) is:

“Breastfeeding for a Sustainable Start in Life: Strengthen What Works“

WBW 2026 theme

This year’s theme focuses on strengthening what works to support breastfeeding. It celebrates the progress made around the world and encourages us to build on the people, communities and approaches that are already helping families to succeed. The objectives for WBW 2026 are:

What does this mean for Aotearoa?

Around the world, breastfeeding support looks different, but one thing remains the same—parents are more likely to meet their feeding goals when they feel informed, encouraged and supported. This year’s theme encourages us to learn from what is working well and continue strengthening the support available to whānau.

Globally, exclusive breastfeeding rates have steadily increased, with 48% of babies under six months exclusively breastfed in 2024, bringing us closer to the World Health Assembly target of 50%.

In Aotearoa New Zealand, breastfeeding rates have also improved, with 55.7% of babies exclusively breastfed until at least four months of age in 2023/24 (compared to 46.1% a decade ago). However, not all whānau experience the same support or opportunities. Strengthening breastfeeding support is essential to ensure every parent has the opportunity to achieve their own feeding goals.

This World Breastfeeding Week, we’re celebrating the people, places and support that help make feeding journeys stronger.

What’s On Across Aotearoa

Find a list of events and gatherings happening across the motu to celebrate breastfeeding over the coming year. Find one in your area and pop along to celebrate!

What Strengthens Your Feeding Journey?

Whether you’re preparing for the arrival of your pēpi, breastfeeding, expressing, mixed feeding, chestfeeding or returning to work, these resources are here to help strengthen your feeding journey.

• Find Your Breastfeeding Support – Connect with breastfeeding support services, peer support groups and skilled professionals across Aotearoa to find the help that’s right for you.

• He Wāhi Haumaru – A Safe Space To Feed Pēpi – Discover welcoming cafés, libraries, community centres and other public spaces where you can feed your pēpi with confidence and feel supported.

• Breastfeeding Friendly Workplaces – Returning to work while breastfeeding? Find practical information and resources to help you understand your rights, plan ahead and continue breastfeeding at work.

• Celebrate World Breastfeeding Week – Get involved by hosting a coffee catch-up, whānau event, walk, library session or park meet-up, organising a colouring competition or giveaways, or simply starting a conversation about breastfeeding. Download our free colouring sheets, and shareable breastfeeding posters to print in your workplace or community, or share on social media using #WBW2026.

Click on any of the images below to download and share them.

For more information about World Breastfeeding Week, and this year’s theme, visit  https://worldbreastfeedingweek.org/