Breastfeeding Benefits

Every year first week of August is observed as the World Breastfeeding Week. It is supported by the WHO, UNICEF and many ministries of health and civil societies worldwide. The theme for 2024 is "Closing the gap: Breastfeeding support for all." This campaign celebrates breastfeeding mothers in all their diversity throughout their breastfeeding journeys, aiming to promote exclusive breastfeeding for the first six months of an infant's life, raise awareness among expectant and new mothers and improve infant health worldwide. Exclusive breastfeeding from birth to six months provides essential nutrients and immunity protections, eliminating the need for additional food.

In Nepal, too, the event, which kicked off on August 1, is being held with various programmes aimed at encouraging breastfeeding. At one such event in Chitwan district on Saturday, health experts emphasised that breastfeeding benefits both the baby's and the mother's health, highlighting the need for breastfeeding within an hour of a baby's birth. They also underscored that children who are breastfed are less likely to fall ill, become overweight or obese and develop diabetes later in life, among other health conditions.

Ideal food for infants as it contains antibodies that protect them against several childhood diseases, it is one of the most effective ways to ensure a child's health and survival. Because it helps babies fight disease and infection, breastfeeding is crucial to lower the burden of health care institutions, offering economic benefits for the whole family and the state. Breast-feeding acts as a baby's first immunisation and can prevent 20 per cent of neonatal deaths, say the experts. Breast milk contains important components to protect and build the baby’s immature immune system. It is more easily digested than baby formulas, and changes from feed to feed to suit each baby’s unique needs, making it the ideal food to promote healthy growth and development. 

However, contrary to WHO recommendations, fewer than half of infants under six months old are said to be exclusively breastfed. Recognised as a fundamental right of newborns, breastfeeding also has numerous health benefits for a mother.  The close interaction and frequent skin-to-skin contact during breastfeeding releases two hormones – prolactin and oxytocin – into her body, greatly enhancing the bonding and emotional attachment between mother and baby. 

Despite countless crucial benefits, the Nepal Demographic and Health Survey 2022 revealed a decline in the breastfeeding rate in Nepal. In 1996, 75 per cent of women breastfed their babies, but this figure decreased to 56 per cent in 2022. This trend necessitates the need for increased support and awareness. The WHO reports that over half a billion working women lack essential maternity protections in national laws. In Nepal, the Right to Safe Motherhood and Reproductive Health Act 2075 guarantees 98 days of fully paid maternity leave to promote and facilitate breastfeeding. 

Additionally, all government, and private organisations must provide arrangements for women to breastfeed during office hours for up to two years after childbirth. Offices, schools, buses, park and airports are required to have separate breastfeeding rooms. In an encouraging trend, we have seen this need being increasingly complied with.  All partners, families, societies, communities, employers and health workers have a responsibility to encourage, support and promote breastfeeding to make kids healthier and more immune to illnesses.