Uttar Pradesh, Delhi, Rajasthan, Uttarakhand and Punjab fare the worst when it comes to the practice of breastfeeding, according to a report-card released recently by the Union Health Ministry. The World Health Organisation says that if breastfeeding was scaled up to near-universal levels, lives of about 8,20,000 children could be saved every year.
The ministry report notes that these states have the lowest rate for breastfeeding within one hour of birth, exclusive breast feeding for six months and complementary breastfeeding from six to nine months.
‘Huge burden’
“Inadequate breastfeeding puts a huge burden on our health system and we understand that there is an urgent need to ensure a conducive environment for all mothers to practice breastfeeding at home, outside homes and workplaces,” said Union Health Minister Harsh Vardhan.
States that top the report card include Mizoram, Sikkim, Odisha and Manipur
These regions also show good indicators in terms of the other parameters where children are breast fed exclusively for six months etc.
The districts in Uttar Pradesh (the state at the bottom of the list) which fared the worst for breastfeeding within one hour of child birth include Meerut, Bijnor, Shahjahanpur, Gautam Buddha Nagar, Gonda, Etawah and Mahamaya Nagar.
Globally, only 40% infants are exclusively breastfed for the first six months.
``Breastfeeding contributes to the health and well-being of mothers, it helps to space children, reduces the risk of ovarian cancer and breast cancer, increases family and national resources, is a secure way of feeding and is safe for the environment. While breastfeeding is a natural act, it is also a learned behavior,’’ says WHO.
Speaking about the importance of breastfeeding and the need to accelerate the popularity of the practice, Dr. Harsh Vardhan said: “Breastfeeding is one of the most cost-effective intervention which addresses both survival and growth of the child. Studies have highlighted how breastfeeding, if universalised, could prevent diseases and deaths of children and future breast and ovarian cancer in mothers. Early initiation of breastfeeding within an hour of birth can prevent neonatal mortality; whereas exclusive breastfeeding for six months can reduce under-five deaths significantly.”
He noted that skilled counselling and practical support to women both during the time of birth and later linking them to community workers, are key to promoting breastfeeding.
