“Breastfeeding Rates See Significant Increase in Kerala”

According to the findings from the National Family Health Survey-6 (NFHS-6), the percentage of infants under six months who are exclusively breastfed in the state has seen a significant increase, rising to 72.7% from 55.5% recorded in NFHS-5. Furthermore, the survey indicates that 82.3% of infants are now initiated into breastfeeding within the first hour after birth, compared to 66.7% in the previous survey.

The improvements in breastfeeding practices can be significantly attributed to the Mother and Baby-Friendly Hospital Initiative (MBFHI), which was launched in 2021. This initiative aims to enhance the quality of maternal and newborn care by encouraging hospitals to adopt best practices in breastfeeding and infant care.

In addition to promoting exclusive breastfeeding, the MBFHI emphasizes the importance of early breastfeeding initiation, which is crucial for the health and nutrition of newborns. The variation observed in breastfeeding rates highlights a growing awareness and support for breastfeeding practices, driven by health programs and community education efforts throughout the state. Continued monitoring and supportive policies will be essential to maintain and further improve these rates in the future.