World Breastfeeding Week (WBW) took place from August 1 to 7 to protect, promote, and support breastfeeding worldwide.
Brazil continues to be a global leader in breastfeeding policies. The Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) recognized the country as a reference in the area, especially regarding donations. Breastfeeding is one of the most effective sources of nutrients for babies up to six months old.
Between 2008 and 2014, 1.1 million mothers donated to the country’s milk banks, making Brazil the country with the highest number of breast milk donors in the world. The low-cost, high-quality strategies used by Brazil for the implementation of milk banks are now being replicated/communicated in 24 countries across Latin America, the Caribbean, the Iberian Peninsula, Africa, and some other European countries.
Benefits
In 2001, WHO also recognized the Brazilian Network of Human Milk Banks as one of the main contributors to the reduction of infant mortality worldwide in the 1990s. From 1990 to 2012, the infant mortality rate in Brazil fell by 70.5%.
Breastfeeding is essential for children up to two years old, as it increases protection against infections, diarrhea, and allergies, 
reducing infant mortality.
Milk Banks
The strategy of Human Milk Banks (BLHs) in Brazil was initially developed 32 years ago by the Ministry of Health. It has benefited over 1.8 million newborns between 2009 and 2016 through the collection and distribution of milk.
The data from donors are cross-referenced by the bank, and the characteristics of the milk are analyzed to ensure that distribution is specific to the needs of each baby. With the support of over 1.3 million donating women, the network collected approximately 1.4 million liters of milk during this period.
Benefits of Maternity in Brazil
Brazilian women who give birth or adopt a child are entitled to maternity leave benefits for 120 days. The benefit, paid by the National Institute of Social Security (INSS), is intended for employees, self-employed workers, domestic workers, special insured individuals, individual contributors to the pension system, and optional insured individuals.
The amount starts to be paid according to the medical certificate: from the 8th month of pregnancy, 28 days before delivery, or after the child’s birth date – except for unemployed women, who start receiving at birth. Employers are responsible for paying the benefit to employed mothers and are subsequently reimbursed by the INSS. Payments to domestic workers and adopters are the direct responsibility of the Social Security system.
Since 2013, in the event of the partner or spouse’s death, the father is entitled to the benefit if he is insured by the Brazilian Social Security system. Men who adopt can also request the benefit when taking leave from work. The same applies to same-sex couples.
Source: BrazilGovNews