Home / Health / Kerala's Breastfeeding Rates Soar to New Heights
Kerala's Breastfeeding Rates Soar to New Heights
28 Jun
Summary
- Exclusive breastfeeding rose from 55.5% to 72.7% for infants under six months.
- Early breastfeeding initiation within an hour of birth increased to 82.3%.
- Mother and Baby-Friendly Hospital Initiative is credited for improved metrics.
Kerala has reported significant improvements in infant breastfeeding rates, as revealed by the National Family Health Survey (NFHS)-6. The proportion of infants under six months exclusively breastfed has climbed from 55.5% in NFHS-5 to 72.7% in the latest survey. Furthermore, early initiation of breastfeeding within one hour of birth has risen to 82.3%, a notable increase from the previous 66.7%.
These advancements are largely attributed to the Mother and Baby-Friendly Hospital Initiative (MBFHI), a program established in 2021. MBFHI aims to integrate WHO-UNICEF's 'Ten Steps to Successful Breastfeeding' and respectful maternity care into Kerala's health facilities, supported by lactation consultants and a certification process for hospitals.
Despite these successes, concerns remain regarding overall infant nutrition. The NFHS-6 data indicates only 26% of children aged 6-23 months in Kerala receive an 'adequate diet,' a factor contributing to the 20% stunting rate in children under five. Experts emphasize the need for continued focus on nutritional adequacy alongside breastfeeding promotion.
