Despite strides in maternal health, exclusive breastfeeding in India is slipping. National Family Health Survey (NFHS-6) data shows institutional deliveries up,but fewer infants get exclusive breastfeeding in those crucial first six months.
Take Saritha. A 27-year-old domestic worker in Delhi, she struggled to exclusively breastfeed her two sons,now aged four and eight. Back to work just two months after giving birth,she cited financial pressures forcing her to introduce formula early . “If I do not work,we cannot pay rent or meet living expenses,” she said. Many mothers face this harsh reality.
NFHS-6 shows exclusive breastfeeding down to 55.8% from 63.7% previously. Uttar Pradesh dropped from 59.7% to 34.6%, Haryana from 69.5% to 41.2%. Urban areas like Delhi also fell, from 64.3% to 54%.
Early breastfeeding initiation improved—from 41.8% to 50.1%—but overall drop in exclusivity raises alarms for child health. Experts stress breastfeeding's importance for infant development, offering essential nutrients and antibodies against illnesses.
Women's empowerment advances, like more household decision-making and banking access,don't ensure breastfeeding success. Pediatrician Arun Gupta notes economic pressures,informal jobs, and lacking maternity protections hinder exclusive breastfeeding.
Experts blame decline on factors like work migration,early job returns,and rise of packaged foods. Cesarean deliveries up from 21.5% to 27.2% add complications,especially without postnatal support .
Vandana, a 32-year-old HR consultant,struggled to breastfeed after a cesarean . Despite skin-to-skin contact and lactation help,she turned to formula. “Early counselling may have helped,” she reflected,highlighting need for support systems.
Indian government promotes breastfeeding through initiatives like Pradhan Mantri Matru Vandana Yojana and Integrated Child Development Services. But drop in exclusive rates suggests more thorough measures needed to tackle mothers' challenges.
Country grapples with these issues,making clear need for better postnatal support and workplace protections. Without addressing barriers, progress in maternal and child health could falter…
