Breastfeeding exclusivity rate remains relatively stagnant over a decade period

Breastfeeding exclusivity rate remains relatively stagnant over a decade period

In a significant development, a study published in the esteemed journal Pediatrics has highlighted the benefits of exclusive breastfeeding for the first six months of a baby's life. The study, which involved over 136,000 infants from 37 countries, found that babies who are exclusively breastfed for this period have a lower risk of developing respiratory and gastrointestinal infections.

The study, which controlled for factors such as maternal age, education level, and socioeconomic status, also found that the benefits of exclusive breastfeeding were most pronounced in low- and middle-income countries. Joana Ascensão, a journalist, reports on this important finding, emphasising the need for support for mothers in their efforts to breastfeed their children exclusively for the first six months.

As the world focuses on increasing exclusive breastfeeding rates up to six months, global trends are shifting towards investing in sustainable support systems across various environments. These strategies aim to help mothers breastfeed successfully and reach at least 50% by 2030.

Strengthening health systems is a key strategy. This involves providing skilled, consistent breastfeeding counselling and support from pregnancy through early childhood, addressing the current gap where only 20% of countries train health workers adequately on infant feeding.

Another strategy is the implementation and enforcement of the International Code of Marketing of Breastmilk Substitutes to protect mothers from commercial pressures that undermine breastfeeding. Creating enabling environments in homes, workplaces, and communities is also crucial, ensuring mothers can breastfeed comfortably and without discrimination or barriers.

Raising awareness through global campaigns, such as World Breastfeeding Week 2025 themed “Prioritize Breastfeeding: Create sustainable support systems,” is another important strategy. This campaign aims to build equitable frameworks and unite governments, health services, employers, and families around breastfeeding support.

Integrating breastfeeding promotion with broader Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) is another approach, highlighting breastfeeding’s benefits not only for infant health but also for climate change mitigation and economic returns. Utilizing digital tools and innovation, such as apps that provide evidence-based breastfeeding information and help bridge gaps in parent support networks, is another strategy.

Despite progress, exclusive breastfeeding rates remain below the World Health Assembly’s target of 60% by 2030. In 2023, global exclusive breastfeeding rates were around 48%, close to the interim 50% goal, but still below the target. Continued and coordinated investment in these multi-level strategies is essential to achieve the goal of at least 50% exclusive breastfeeding globally by 2030.

In Portugal, the national goal is to increase this percentage to at least 50% of newborns by 2030. However, the current percentage of mothers exclusively breastfeeding their children until six months is 33%. Helena Bento, another journalist, reports on the need for increased efforts to support mothers in their breastfeeding journey.

The study concludes by highlighting the importance of supporting mothers in their efforts to breastfeed their children exclusively for the first six months. By doing so, we can provide significant health benefits for infants and work towards achieving the global goal of at least 50% exclusive breastfeeding by 2030.

1. The study in Pediatrics emphasizes the significance of exclusive breastfeeding for the initial six months of a baby's life.
2. The research involved over 136,000 infants from 37 countries.
3. Babies who are exclusively breastfed for this period show a lower risk of developing respiratory and gastrointestinal infections.
4. The study's findings were controlled for factors like maternal age, education level, and socioeconomic status.
5. The benefits of exclusive breastfeeding were most noticeable in low- and middle-income countries.
6. Joana Ascensão, a journalist, underlined the need for support for mothers in exclusively breastfeeding their children.
7. As the world endeavors to increase exclusive breastfeeding rates up to six months, the focus is shifting towards sustainable support systems across various environments.
8. The goal is to help mothers breastfeed successfully and reach at least 50% by 2030.
9. Strengthening health systems is a vital strategy, providing skilled, consistent breastfeeding counselling and support from pregnancy through early childhood.
10. Only 20% of countries train health workers adequately on infant feeding at present.
11. Implementing and enforcing the International Code of Marketing of Breastmilk Substitutes is another strategy to protect mothers from commercial pressures that may undermine breastfeeding.
12. Creating enabling environments in homes, workplaces, and communities is crucial, ensuring mothers can breastfeed comfortably without discrimination or barriers.
13. Raising global awareness through campaigns like World Breastfeeding Week 2025 is another important strategy.
14. This year's theme is “Prioritize Breastfeeding: Create sustainable support systems.”
15. The campaign aims to build equitable frameworks and unite governments, health services, employers, and families around breastfeeding support.
16. Integrating breastfeeding promotion with broader Sustainable Development Goals is another approach.
17. Utilizing digital tools and innovation, such as apps, can bridge gaps in parent support networks and provide evidence-based breastfeeding information.
18. Despite progress, exclusive breastfeeding rates remain below the World Health Assembly’s target of 60% by 2030.
19. In 2023, global exclusive breastfeeding rates were around 48%, close to the interim 50% goal, but still below the target.
20. Continued and coordinated investment in these multi-level strategies is essential to achieve the goal of at least 50% exclusive breastfeeding globally by 2030.
21. In Portugal, the national goal is to increase the percentage of newborns exclusively breastfed to at least 50% by 2030.
22. However, as Helena Bento, another journalist, reports, the current percentage of mothers exclusively breastfeeding their children until six months is 33%.
23. The study concludes by reaffirming the importance of supporting mothers in their efforts to breastfeed their children exclusively for the first six months.
24. By doing so, we can provide significant health benefits for infants and work towards achieving the global goal of at least 50% exclusive breastfeeding by 2030.
25. The benefits of exclusive breastfeeding extend beyond infant health, impacting climate change mitigation and economic returns.
26. On the subject of health and wellness, chronic diseases such as cancer, autoimmune disorders, and neurological disorders often require therapies and treatments.
27. Nutrition plays a vital role in managing these medical conditions, and maintaining a balanced diet is essential for overall health and weight management.
28. Aging is another factor that affects health, with conditions like eye health, hearing, skin care, and cardiovascular health becoming increasingly important as we grow older.

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