The BJC Big C Foundation, in collaboration with UNICEF Thailand, today marked World Breastfeeding Week 2025 with an event at Big C Mega Bangna under the theme “Prioritize Breastfeeding: Build Sustainable Support Systems”. The event aimed to promote exclusive breastfeeding and provide new mothers with knowledge, practical tips and a deeper understanding of the lifelong benefits of breastfeeding.
“Breastmilk is the best food for infants,” said Thapanee Techajaroenvikul, Committee Secretary and Treasurer of the BJC Big C Foundation. “It boosts a baby’s immune system, reduces the risk of illness, and helps them recover more quickly when sick. Breastfeeding is also associated with higher IQ, strengthens the emotional bond between mother and child, and lowers the mother’s risk of chronic diseases such as breast cancer, ovarian cancer, and diabetes. Moreover, it reduces long-term healthcare costs for the child.”
The World Health Organization (WHO) and UNICEF recommend exclusive breastfeeding for the first six months and continued breastfeeding alongside age-appropriate food up to two years or beyond. However, many mothers struggle to maintain exclusive breastfeeding, especially those who return to work after three months of maternity leave, Thapanee added.
According to the 2022 Multiple Indicator Cluster Survey (MICS), conducted by UNICEF and the National Statistical Office, only 1 in 3 infants in Thailand are exclusively breastfed during the first six months of life, which is below the Global Nutrition Target of 50 per cent by 2025.
To support mothers in breastfeeding, the BJC Big C Foundation has set up “Breastfeeding Rooms” in 10 Big C branches across the country including Saphan Khwai, Rama II, Bang Phli, Samut Prakan, Suksawat, Khon Kaen, Phitsanulok, Hatyai 2, Chiang Rai, and Surat Thani. These rooms are open daily from 9.00 a.m. to 8.00 p.m. In 2025, new breastfeeding rooms will be opened at Big C locations in Rangsit 1, Kamphaeng Phet, Nong Khai, Korat 2, Tiwanon, Lam Luk Ka 1, Om Yai, Chonburi 1, Bang Yai, and Mega Bangna.
To further support working mothers, last year BJC Big C Foundation set up a childcare centre – “BJC Big C Kids Care” – for children aged 1–3 years at BJC Big C headquarters. Operated by experienced early childhood educators, the center is open Monday to Friday from 7.30 a.m. to 6.00 p.m., helping mothers continue breastfeeding after returning to work.
“Only mothers can breastfeed, but they cannot do it alone,” said Kyungsun Kim, UNICEF Representative for Thailand. “Successful breastfeeding relies on support from all quarters including family, community, healthcare providers, and especially the workplace. Employers can play a crucial role by adopting breastfeeding-friendly policies at workplace, providing dedicated lactation rooms and allowing adequate breaks. These are small investments that deliver big returns in children’s health, family well-being, and workplace productivity.
Kim added that the BJC Big C Foundation is a powerful example of how the private sector can create supportive environments for breastfeeding, both for employees and customers – a vital step in building a healthy foundation and brighter future for every child.
BJC Big C Foundation firmly believes in the “power of breastmilk” as the ideal starting point in life. Breastfeeding is the best launching pad to help children grow, thrive and and reach their full potential.
