Less than 50% of newborns breastfed for 6 months — study

Less than half of newborn babies globally were exclusively breastfed for six months after their birth, a study by the medical journal The Lancet showed. 

In Lei Alviz’s report on “24 Oras” on Thursday, some mothers explained it is difficult to breastfeed while working.

“Nahihirapan din ako. Hindi makapagfocus… Gustuhin ko man na ma-breastfeed sila kaso lang hindi naman pwede kasi nagtatrabaho ako, magugutom sila. Kailangan din naman nilang kumain,” said Mira Ruiz who breastfed her child for three months.

(It is difficult for me. I cannot focus. As much as I want to breastfeed them, I cannot do that because I need to work or else they will grow hungry. They also need food.)

The World Health Organization (WHO) recommends that infants be exclusively breastfed during their first six months as it provides numerous benefits for them and their mothers.

According to WHO, breast milk serves as brainfood for babies and provides them with energy and nutrients, as well as protection against infection, mortality, and obesity.

Breastfeeding mothers have a lower risk of ovarian and breast cancer, it added.

Data from the Department of Science and Technology - Food and Nutrition Research Institute showed that in 2018 54.9% of zero to five-month-old babies are being exclusively breastfed. The figure is higher than the 48.8% reported in 2015.

The Department of Health (DOH) aims to implement policies to encourage more mothers to breastfeed.

“Nagkaroon tayo ng rooming in policy kung saan we now require all mothers should have their babies, once born, with them, so they can do their breastfeeding in the initial hours after birth,” said DOH Officer-in-charge Maria Rosario Vergeire.

(We have a rooming-in policy where we require all mothers to have their babies, once born, with them, so they can do their breastfeeding in the initial hours from birth.)

“We are mandating that all establishments will have their breastfeeding rooms,” she said.

Meanwhile, mothers with medical conditions may have their supplies from milk banks in several hospitals in the country including the newly inaugurated area in Dr. Fabella Memorial Hospital.

Milk banks receive donated breastmilk which will be distributed to those in need, especially babies who were victims of calamities, the report said. -- Sundy Locus/BAP, GMA Integrated News