Decline in Exclusive Breastfeeding: An Alarming Trend in India

Despite nearly universal breastfeeding rates, a concerning decline in exclusive breastfeeding for infants under six months is observed across India. Factors such as short maternity leave, increased cesarean deliveries, and commercial baby food pressures contribute. Experts urge enhanced policy focus on exclusive breastfeeding and supportive practices.

An alarming trend is emerging in India, with exclusive breastfeeding rates for infants under six months showing a decline, despite a near-universal practice of breastfeeding. According to the National Family Health Survey (NFHS-6), 95.6% of infants under six months are currently being breastfed, yet fewer mothers are following the World Health Organization's recommendation of exclusive breastfeeding for the first six months.

Dr. Abha Majumdar from Sir Gangaram Hospital links the drop in exclusive breastfeeding to increased urban cesarean deliveries, which complicates early breastfeeding initiation, and commercial influences promoting formula feeding. Additionally, limited maternity leave and inadequate workplace support thrust many working mothers into a bind, forcing them to introduce supplementary feeding earlier than ideal.

Dr. Rahul Verma of Sir HN Reliance Foundation Hospital advocates for strict enforcement of the Infant Milk Substitutes (IMS) Act and expanded paid maternity leave to aid working mothers. He emphasizes the importance of hospital-led postnatal lactation counselling and reducing the burden on new mothers through family support to ease this public health challenge.