Only about 42% of newborns in India are breastfed within the first hour of birth. Additionally, only two-in-three children are exclusively breastfed in the first six months after birth. These figures suggest room for improvement in promoting early initiation and exclusive breastfeeding practices in the country to ensure better infant health outcomes.
Here are some significant reasons why we need to prioritise exclusive breastfeeding –
- Additional benefits of breastfeeding beyond nutrition: Breastfeeding offers numerous benefits across various aspects of life. Its long-term impact also extends to economic outcomes, with evidence suggesting that breastfed individuals may attain higher income levels in adulthood. Additionally, breastfeeding’s positive effects on child development and overall health can reduce healthcare expenses, benefiting families and society. For mothers, extended breastfeeding is linked to improved health outcomes, including a reduced risk of ovarian and breast cancers. Furthermore, exclusive breastfeeding for the first six months often delays menstruation due to its hormonal effects, which can aid in natural family planning by helping to space pregnancies.
- Exclusive breastfeeding for optimum nutrition means babies should only receive breast milk during this period without introducing other foods or liquids, including water! Moreover, it contains all the vital nutrients required for the infant’s growth and development. The first hour of breastfeeding is essential as the mother’s first milk contains a critical substance called colostrum, or ‘liquid gold’, rich in antibodies. Mother’s milk helps build an infant’s immunity and protects them from infections and diseases such as pneumonia and diarrhoea. This immunity even extends beyond infancy to adolescence and adult life.
- Reasons for avoiding water before six months: Infants do not require any other food source except their mother’s milk. Introducing water from external sources is risky, as contamination can lead to infections and diseases. It could also reduce the infant’s intake of nutrient-rich breast milk, leading to malnutrition. Exceptions to exclusive breastfeeding include oral rehydration solutions (ORS), vitamin syrups or drops, and medicines only when a qualified doctor prescribes them.
- Effect of reduced nutrition on mother and child: Women from marginalized communities have reduced access to optimum nutrition. Consequently, maternal undernutrition in such communities is a serious problem which impacts the child as well. Studies show that poor nutrient intake combined with low education and low socio-economic status adversely impacts women’s care-seeking behaviour, which then affects the body mass index (BMI) of pregnant.
What Should Be Done To Improve Awareness Of Breastfeeding? “The CBOs and NGOs can work towards supplementing the government’s initiatives, such as POSHAN Abhiyaan,” says Animesh Rai, Senior Manager – of Implementation Science at Vitamin Angels India.
