Latest data from National Family Health Survey (NFHS-6) show big jump in breastfeeding in Kerala. Exclusive breastfeeding for infants under six months surged to 72.7% from 55.5%. Early breastfeeding within hour of birth now at 82.3%,up from 66.7% in NFHS-5.
Health pros in state are thrilled. Breastfeeding is key for child health. But I . Riaz,State president of Indian Academy of Paediatrics (IAP),warns: while gains are good,nationwide rates still worry. He stresses need for ongoing push to nurture breastfeeding culture among mothers.
Mother and Baby-Friendly Hospital Initiative (MBFHI),launched in 2021,is driving Kerala's breastfeeding success. Led by IAP and State National Health Mission,it boosts breastfeeding support in maternity hospitals. Initiative weaves WHO and UNICEF's “Ten Steps to Successful Breastfeeding” into hospital routines.
Hospitals in MBFHI must meet 130 quality standards for certification as mother- and baby-friendly. Includes lactation counseling starting in ante-natal period,educating mothers on exclusive breastfeeding for first six months . Hospitals have lactation consultants,offering certification course for lactation counseling .
Yet Kerala's high cesarean rates—44% in public,45% in private—challenge breastfeeding. Surgical births delay breastfeeding due to post-op pain,need for NICU monitoring. MBFHI stresses breastfeeding within hour of birth,encourages practices like feeding on labor cot,Kangaroo care.
MBFHI-certified hospitals discourage infant formula unless medically needed. For pre-term infants in NICU,initiative promotes expressed breast milk use. Over 50 hospitals in Kerala have breast milk banks,providing crucial support.
State makes strides in breastfeeding,but infant nutrition still worries. NFHS-6 says only 26% of children 6-23 months get adequate diet,alarming experts. Dr. K.E. Elizabeth,pediatrician and nutrition expert,confused by this stat,points to lack of complementary feeding with breast milk.
This poor nutrition leads to stunting in 20% of kids under five in Kerala . Dr. Riaz says addressing this is key for better child health outcomes. Focus must shift to improving diet diversity,ensuring kids get iron-rich foods.
As Kerala boosts breastfeeding rates,experts emphasize keeping momentum. Vigilance and certifying more hospitals under MBFHI essential to sustain gains… and tackle wider infant nutrition issues.
