Breastfeeding Practices In India

As per the National Guidelines on Infant and Young Child Feeding (2006), breastfeeding should be initiated within one hour of birth and exclusive breastfeeding for the first 6 months of life. No other food or fluids should be given to infants below six months unless medically indicated. After completion of 6 months of age, with introduction of optimal complementary feeding, breastfeeding should be continued for a minimum of 2 years and beyond depending on the choice of the mother and the baby. In India

• Breast feeding is nearly universal. 85% of mothers initiate breast feeding within the first 72 hours of birth (NFHS-3,2005-06).

As per the National Guidelines on Infant and Young Child Feeding (2006), breastfeeding should be initiated within one hour of birth and exclusive breastfeeding for the first 6 months of life. No other food or fluids should be given to infants below six months unless medically indicated. After completion of 6 months of age, with introduction of optimal complementary feeding, breastfeeding should be continued for a minimum of 2 years and beyond depending on the choice of the mother and the baby. In India

• Exclusive breastfeeding Disparities: As compared to other countries the breastfeeding rate in India (0 to 6months) is lower.
• NHFS-3 data indicated that mothers were giving prelacteal feeds/liquids to their children in the first three days after delivery. By far, the most common prelacteal liquid was bovine milk other than breast milk. Besides this, supplementation of breast milk starts very early with the introduction of fresh cow's milk. Cow's milk is introduced as early as 4 months of age.
• The main reasons linked to inadequate breastfeeding are: lack of maternal knowledge and successive pregnancies.
• The decision not to breastfeed is influenced by family/traditional advice, whereas the feeling of low milk supply is the main reason to stop breastfeeding.