# Breastfeeding awareness and support in Italy

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/breastfeeding-awareness-and-support-in-italy
> Updated: 2026-10-01T09:00:00.000Z. Sources: 19. Developments: 3.

In Italy, health authorities and professional societies are addressing declining exclusive breastfeeding rates through systemic initiatives and local awareness campaigns.

The Italian Society of Neonatology (SIN) has reported a significant drop in exclusive breastfeeding, falling from 71% at birth to 48% by the second or third month, and further to 39% by the fourth or fifth month. To combat this, the SIN’s PAA Project, introduced in 2023, works to standardize obstetric and neonatology procedures. Currently, 115 healthcare facilities have joined the initiative, with 65 earning “Birth Point for Breastfeeding” certification for practices such as immediate skin-to-skin contact and prolonged rooming-in.

In conjunction with World Breastfeeding Week, themed “Breastfeeding for a sustainable start to life,” local regions are launching targeted programs. In Teramo, health authorities including Asl di Teramo and Ulss 2 are organizing workshops and roundtables involving midwives, psychologists, and nutritionists to address topics from breastfeeding initiation to the psychological aspects of parenting. These sessions aim to engage parents and caregivers to dispel myths through scientific evidence.

In Modena, local authorities are organizing educational events and a collective flash mob titled ‘Allattiamo insieme’ to promote support networks. Similarly, in Piacenza, events including workshops and flash mobs emphasize the importance of a healthcare network for maternal and infant well-being. These efforts also highlight the environmental benefits of breastfeeding, noting its lower ecological footprint and CO2 emissions compared to artificial formula.

## Timeline

### 2026-10-01: World Breastfeeding Week promotes health and sustainability

World Breastfeeding Week (October 1–7) promotes maternal and infant health and environmental sustainability through breastfeeding awareness and local community events in Italy.

8 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/world-breastfeeding-week-promotes-health-and-sustainability

### 2026-09-28: Italian health authorities address declining breastfeeding rates

Italy faces declining exclusive breastfeeding rates, prompting the SIN to implement new clinical standards and regional support projects ahead of World Breastfeeding Week.

4 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/italian-health-authorities-address-declining-breastfeeding-rates

### 2026-09-28: Teramo health authorities launch World Breastfeeding Week initiatives

Health authorities in Teramo, Italy, are hosting workshops and informational sessions for World Breastfeeding Week to support families and promote maternal and infant health.

7 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/teramo-health-authorities-launch-world-breastfeeding-week-initiatives

---
Cite as: Breastfeeding awareness and support in Italy. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/breastfeeding-awareness-and-support-in-italy