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India's Breastfeeding Support Falls Short Post-Homecoming
23 Sep
Summary
- Exclusive breastfeeding in the first six months has declined significantly.
- Support for mothers diminishes once they return home from the hospital.
- Workplace challenges and lack of benefits impact informal sector workers.
Exclusive breastfeeding in India has seen a decline, with rates for the first six months dropping from 63.7% to 55.8% according to the sixth National Family Health Survey (NFHS-6). While early initiation of breastfeeding has seen improvement, the survey indicates a struggle for mothers to continue breastfeeding after leaving the hospital.
Neonatologists observe that skilled support is readily available in hospitals, but this diminishes once mothers return home. Factors like doubts about milk supply, conflicting advice, and work pressures erode confidence, highlighting a critical need for sustained support.
Critical periods for infant health, such as receiving colostrum and skin-to-skin contact, depend on continued guidance. Existing health worker systems and policies can address this, but implementation requires greater consistency and equity.
The workplace poses significant challenges, especially for informal sector workers who often lack maternity leave and supportive facilities. This gap needs addressing through improved maternity benefits and workplace norms.
Sustained progress is possible, as demonstrated by states with high breastfeeding rates. Continued investment in maternal health, community engagement, and robust frontline health systems are key to supporting mothers effectively beyond childbirth.
