Uneven breastfeeding practices in India, study urges better counselling
By Menshly Wellness Desk | Apr 15, 2026
Introduction to Uneven Breastfeeding Practices in India
India, being one of the most populous countries in the world, faces numerous challenges in the healthcare sector, particularly when it comes to maternal and child health. One such crucial aspect that has garnered significant attention in recent years is breastfeeding practices. Breastfeeding is universally recognized as the optimal method of feeding infants due to its unparalleled health benefits for both the mother and the child. However, the prevalence of breastfeeding in India varies greatly across different regions, socioeconomic statuses, and educational backgrounds. A recent study highlighted the uneven breastfeeding practices in India, emphasizing the need for better counselling and support to promote exclusive breastfeeding, especially in the context of 2026 longevity goals.
Benefits of Breastfeeding
Breast milk provides infants with essential nutrients, antibodies, and immune factors that protect them against infections and diseases. The World Health Organization (WHO) recommends exclusive breastfeeding for the first six months of life, with continued breastfeeding along with appropriate complementary foods up to two years of age or beyond. Breastfeeding has been associated with numerous health benefits for the infant, including reduced risk of respiratory tract infections, diarrhea, and otitis media. Moreover, breastfeeding also confers benefits to the mother, such as reduced risk of postpartum hemorrhage, breast and ovarian cancer, and type 2 diabetes. In the context of longevity, breastfeeding has been linked to improved cognitive development and lower risk of chronic diseases later in life, which can significantly contribute to achieving the 2026 longevity goals.
Uneven Breastfeeding Practices in India
Despite the well-documented benefits of breastfeeding, the practice of breastfeeding in India is marked by significant regional and socioeconomic disparities. According to the National Family Health Survey (NFHS) data, while there has been an increase in the prevalence of breastfeeding in India over the years, the rates of exclusive breastfeeding remain low, particularly in urban areas and among mothers with higher education and socioeconomic status. The NFHS data also reveals that the initiation of breastfeeding within the first hour of birth, which is critical for the infant's health, varies widely across different states and union territories. Furthermore, the practice of pre-lacteal feeding, which involves giving the infant something other than breast milk as the first feed, is still prevalent in some parts of the country, which can interfere with the establishment of good breastfeeding practices.
Barriers to Breastfeeding in India
Several barriers contribute to the uneven breastfeeding practices in India, including societal and cultural factors, lack of awareness and education, and healthcare system-related issues. In some communities, there is a deep-seated belief that breast milk is insufficient for the infant's growth, leading to the early introduction of complementary foods. Moreover, the increasing participation of women in the workforce and the lack of adequate maternity leave policies can make it challenging for mothers to establish and maintain breastfeeding. The aggressive marketing of infant formula and other breast milk substitutes also plays a significant role in discouraging breastfeeding. Additionally, the lack of skilled birth attendants and breastfeeding counsellors in many healthcare facilities can make it difficult for mothers to receive the support and guidance they need to initiate and sustain breastfeeding.
Need for Better Counselling
The study emphasizes the need for better counselling and support to promote exclusive breastfeeding in India. Effective breastfeeding counselling can help mothers overcome the barriers to breastfeeding and establish good breastfeeding practices. This can be achieved through the training of healthcare providers, including doctors, nurses, and community health workers, in breastfeeding counselling and support. Moreover, the involvement of family members, particularly husbands and mothers-in-law, in breastfeeding counselling can also be beneficial in promoting a supportive environment for breastfeeding. The use of technology, such as mobile phone applications and tele-counselling services, can also expand the reach of breastfeeding counselling services, especially in rural and hard-to-reach areas.
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Strategies to Promote Breastfeeding in India
To promote breastfeeding in India and achieve the 2026 longevity goals, several strategies can be implemented. Firstly, there is a need to strengthen the healthcare system to provide adequate support and guidance to breastfeeding mothers. This can be achieved through the establishment of breastfeeding-friendly healthcare facilities and the training of healthcare providers in breastfeeding counselling and support. Secondly, awareness and education campaigns can be launched to promote the benefits of breastfeeding and address common myths and misconceptions surrounding breastfeeding. Thirdly, policies and programmes can be implemented to support breastfeeding mothers, such as extended maternity leave, breastfeeding-friendly workplaces, and access to lactation rooms and breastfeeding counsellors. Finally, the regulation of the marketing of infant formula and other breast milk substitutes can help reduce the influence of these products on breastfeeding practices.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the uneven breastfeeding practices in India are a significant public health concern that requires immediate attention and action. The benefits of breastfeeding for both the mother and the child are well-documented, and promoting exclusive breastfeeding can contribute significantly to achieving the 2026 longevity goals. To address the barriers to breastfeeding and promote good breastfeeding practices, there is a need for better counselling and support, as well as the implementation of strategies to strengthen the healthcare system, promote awareness and education, support breastfeeding mothers, and regulate the marketing of breast milk substitutes. By working together, we can promote breastfeeding and improve the health and well-being of mothers and children in India, ultimately contributing to a healthier and more productive population in the years to come.
Recommendations for Future Research
Future research should focus on developing and evaluating the effectiveness of breastfeeding promotion interventions in different settings and populations in India. This can include the development of culturally sensitive breastfeeding education materials, the training of healthcare providers in breastfeeding counselling and support, and the implementation of community-based breastfeeding promotion programmes. Additionally, research can be conducted to examine the impact of breastfeeding on longevity and chronic disease risk in the Indian population, which can provide valuable insights into the long-term benefits of breastfeeding. By generating evidence on the effectiveness of breastfeeding promotion interventions and the benefits of breastfeeding, we can inform policy and programming decisions and contribute to the development of a comprehensive national breastfeeding promotion strategy in India.
Implications for Policy and Practice
The findings of the study have significant implications for policy and practice in India. Policymakers can use the evidence generated by the study to inform the development of policies and programmes that support breastfeeding mothers and promote exclusive breastfeeding. Healthcare providers can use the study's findings to improve their breastfeeding counselling and support services, and community leaders can use the evidence to promote breastfeeding-friendly communities and workplaces. Moreover, the study's findings can be used to advocate for extended maternity leave, breastfeeding-friendly workplaces, and access to lactation rooms and breastfeeding counsellors, which can help reduce the barriers to breastfeeding and promote good breastfeeding practices. By working together, we can create a supportive environment for breastfeeding mothers and promote the health and well-being of mothers and children in India.
Final Thoughts
In final thoughts, the study on uneven breastfeeding practices in India highlights the need for urgent action to promote exclusive breastfeeding and support breastfeeding mothers. The benefits of breastfeeding are well-documented, and promoting breastfeeding can contribute significantly to achieving the 2026 longevity goals. By addressing the barriers to breastfeeding, providing better counselling and support, and implementing strategies to promote breastfeeding, we can improve the health and well-being of mothers and children in India. As we move forward, it is essential to prioritize breastfeeding promotion and support, and to work together to create a breastfeeding-friendly society that values and supports the health and well-being of all mothers and children.
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