"World Breastfeeding Week 2024: A Comprehensive Look at Support, Challenges, and Best Practices"

Introduction

World Breastfeeding Week is celebrated in over 120 countries from August 1 to August 7 each year. This week is dedicated to highlighting the importance of breastfeeding for the sustainable development of children. Breastfeeding is crucial as it enhances nutrition, ensures food security, and reduces inequality both globally and within nations.

Background and History

First observed in 1992, World Breastfeeding Week honors the Innocenti Declaration, signed in August 1990 by government officials, the World Health Organization (WHO), UNICEF, and other organizations. The declaration aims to protect, promote, and support breastfeeding. The primary objectives of World Breastfeeding Week are to raise awareness of the benefits of breastfeeding, provide support and encouragement, and improve the health of mothers and babies worldwide.

Theme for 2024

The theme for World Breastfeeding Week 2024 is "Closing the Gap: Breastfeeding Support for All." This year, we aim to recognize and celebrate breastfeeding mothers, ensuring their voices are heard and their experiences are shared. We emphasize the importance of multi-level support for breastfeeding, which includes:

• Policies and attitudes that value women and breastfeeding
• A women and breastfeeding-friendly healthcare system
• Respect for women’s autonomy and their right to breastfeed anytime, anywhere
• Solidarity and community support

Key India Indicators as per NFHS-5

According to the National Family Health Survey (NFHS-5), India has made significant progress in promoting breastfeeding. Key indicators include:

• Early initiation of breastfeeding: 41.8% of newborns are breastfed within the first hour of birth.
• Exclusive breastfeeding: 58.6% of infants under six months are exclusively breastfed.
• Continued breastfeeding at 1 year: 78.6% of infants are still breastfed at one year.
• Continued breastfeeding at 2 years: 52.1% of children are still breastfed at two year.

National Targets

India has set ambitious national targets to further improve breastfeeding practices:

• Early initiation of breastfeeding: Increase to 70% by 2025.
• Exclusive breastfeeding: Increase to 70% by 2025.
• Continued breastfeeding at 1 year: Maintain above 80%.
• Continued breastfeeding at 2 years: Increase to 60%.

Government of India Programs to Support Breastfeeding

The Government of India has implemented several programs to support breastfeeding, including:

1. Maternity Benefit Programme (Pradhan Mantri Matru Vandana Yojana): Provides financial assistance to pregnant and lactating women.
2. Integrated Child Development Services (ICDS): Offers nutrition and health services to mothers and children.
3. National Health Mission (NHM): Includes initiatives like the Janani Suraksha Yojana (JSY) and Janani Shishu Suraksha Karyakram (JSSK) to promote institutional deliveries and breastfeeding.
4. Mother’s Absolute Affection (MAA): Aims to promote breastfeeding through awareness and support at the community level.
5. Surakshit Matritva Aashwasan (SUMAN): Ensures respectful and quality healthcare at no cost and with zero tolerance for denial of services.
6. LaQshya (Labour Room Quality Improvement Initiative): Aims to improve the quality of care in the labor room and maternity operation theatres.
7. Capacity Building Programs:

- Skilled Birth Attendant (SBA) Training: Provides training to healthcare providers in managing childbirth and supporting breastfeeding.

-National Shishu Suraksha Karyakram (NSSK): Focuses on ensuring the survival and protection of newborns through improved healthcare practices, including breastfeeding support..

-Facility-Based Newborn Care (FBNC): Enhances care for newborns in healthcare facilities, including support for breastfeeding.

-Facility-Based Integrated Management of Neonatal and Childhood Illnesses (FIMNCI): Provides comprehensive care for newborns and children, including breastfeeding support.

-Newborn Screening Units (NBSU): Focuses on early identification and management of newborn conditions and supports breastfeeding practices.

Challenges

Despite progress, several challenges remain:

• Lack of awareness and education: Many mothers are unaware of the benefits of breastfeeding and proper breastfeeding practices.
• Cultural barriers: Social and cultural norms can hinder breastfeeding practices.
• Inadequate support: Lack of family, community, and workplace support can make it difficult for mothers to breastfeed.
• Healthcare system challenges: Inconsistent breastfeeding counseling and support in healthcare settings.
• Inaccurate Data Reporting: Much of the Health Management Information System (HMIS) data is self-reported, which can lead to inaccuracies and altered figures.
• Utilization of Data: There is often a lack of effective use of data for actionable insights and decision-making.
• Incorporation in Review Meetings: Data and feedback on breastfeeding practices are not always adequately incorporated into review meetings, impacting the effectiveness of program adjustments and improvements.

Best Practices for Improving Breastfeeding in India

1. Breastfeeding Rooms in Public Places - Several cities have established designated breastfeeding rooms in bus stands, providing a private and comfortable space for mothers to breastfeed while traveling. Many major railway stations have set up breastfeeding and baby care rooms equipped with comfortable seating, changing tables, and privacy for breastfeeding mothers.
2. Dedicated Breastfeeding Zones in Airports- Major airports across India, such as Delhi and Mumbai, have created dedicated breastfeeding lounges equipped with comfortable seating, changing facilities, and privacy to support traveling mothers.
3. Baby Friendly Hospital Initiatives - Many Pvt Hospitals like Aster Medcity in Kerala and Shree Hospital in Mumbai have implemented the Baby-Friendly Hospital Initiative (BFHI), which includes setting up designated breastfeeding rooms and ensuring breastfeeding support from birth. Same has been implemented in many public hospital too by GoI
4. Workplace Support: Companies like Tata Consultancy Services (TCS) and Infosys have established breastfeeding rooms in their office premises, allowing working mothers to continue breastfeeding with privacy and comfort.
5. Public Awareness Campaigns: Campaigns in malls, parks, and community centers often include setting up temporary breastfeeding stations during events to raise awareness and support breastfeeding in public spaces.
6. Educational Institutions- Some educational institutions have introduced breastfeeding facilities in their campus health centers to support students and staff who are new mothers.

Way Forward

To overcome these challenges, a multifaceted approach is needed:

• Improve Data Accuracy: Ensure accurate data collection and reporting by minimizing self-reporting biases in HMIS data. Implement regular audits and verifications to maintain data integrity.
• Utilize Data Effectively: Enhance the use of data for actionable insights and informed decision-making. Develop systems to analyze data and translate it into effective policies and practices.
• Incorporate Feedback in Review Meetings: Ensure that data and feedback on breastfeeding practices are systematically included in review meetings. This will help in making timely adjustments and improvements to programs.
• Increase awareness and education: Through campaigns, workshops, and community programs.
• Strengthen policies and legislation: Ensure supportive policies and laws that protect breastfeeding rights.
• Enhance healthcare support: Train healthcare providers in breastfeeding counseling and support.
• Promote family and community support: Engage families and communities in supporting breastfeeding mothers.
• Workplace support: Encourage employers to provide breastfeeding-friendly workplaces.

World Breastfeeding Week is a vital opportunity to celebrate and promote breastfeeding, ensuring that every child has the best start in life and every mother is supported in her breastfeeding journey.

Let us come together to support and encourage breastfeeding for a healthier and more equitable world.