Breastfeeding and complementary feeding as a public health intervention for child survival in India

Abstract

The relevance of breastfeeding and complementary feeding as proven child survival interventions, is well documented by the scientific research. These two preventive interventions can save as many as 19% of all child deaths. However, despite the volume of evidence favouring mainstreaming of these interventions, many countries, including India are yet to achieve universal appropriate infant and young child feeding practices. This article attempts to explore the evidenced based role of these interventions in the crusade to save children, and looks into the present scenario of infant and young child feeding in India, along with a possible road map to achieve high rates of early and exclusive breastfeeding and appropriate complementary feeding in the country.

Factors associated with early initiation of breastfeeding among mothers of tribal area of Madhya Pradesh, India: a community based cross sectional study

“…Gupta et al reported that 40% of their respondents initiated breast-feeding within one hour of birth. 19 Fotedar R et al study shown that 20% women initiated breastfeeding new-borns within 1hr, while 30% women initiated breastfeeding their baby after 24 h. 20 A cross-sectional descriptive study to estimate the prevalence of early initiation breast feeding in Tamilnadu, southern India reveal 97.5% of the study subjects had been initiated breast feeding within one hour of birth, which was higher than present study. 21 Patel A et al shown that in hospital-delivered infants in India timely initiation of breastfeeding rates was 36.4%.…”

Effect of lactation counselling on breast feeding: randomized control trial

“…Similar results on timing of initiation of breast feeding were seen by others. 7,8 We followed up the study participants till 45 days after delivery. The 45 days-time point was chosen, as the mother has to visit for routine DPT vaccination for the baby.…”

India, Laos and South Africa Reject Sponsorship and Gifts from Formula Companies

“…[4][5][6][7][8][9] The 1981 World Health Organization's International Code of Marketing Breast Milk Substitutes (the Code) forbids advertising to the public or gifts to health workers but permits donations of educational materials. 10 Many health workers are completely unaware of any conflict of interest.…”