WHY BREASTFEEDING NEEDS STRUCTURAL REFORM, NOT JUST AWARENESS: EXPERTS CALL FOR SCIENCE-BACKED, SYSTEM-LEVEL SUPPORT
Overview
While awareness about breastfeeding benefits has increased globally, experts stress that real progress demands structural reforms and system-level support that provide mothers with sustained, practical help throughout their breastfeeding journey.
Key Points from Experts
Health Systems Support: Training healthcare workers, integrating breastfeeding counselling, and implementing baby-friendly hospital initiatives ensures mothers receive skilled guidance from pregnancy to early childhood.
Policy and Legal Frameworks: Enacting and enforcing laws to protect breastfeeding rights at workplaces, maternity leave, and public spaces is crucial.
Community Solidarity: Families and social networks play an important role in providing everyday emotional and logistical support to breastfeeding mothers.
Combatting Commercial Pressures: Regulating the marketing of breast milk substitutes according to WHO’s International Code safeguards breastfeeding promotion.
Addressing Multidimensional Barriers: Address social, cultural, economic, and infrastructural obstacles that hinder breastfeeding practices, such as inadequate maternity leave, lack of privacy, and misinformation.
Impact of Structural Support
Countries with robust breastfeeding support systems, such as Sri Lanka, have reported high breastfeeding initiation rates (above 90%) and exclusive breastfeeding for six months in over 80% of infants.
Breastfeeding benefits extend beyond nutrition, aiding cognitive development, immunity, mother-child bonding, and lowering maternal risks of chronic diseases.
World Breastfeeding Week 2025 Focus
The theme, “Prioritize Breastfeeding: Create Sustainable Support Systems,” highlights the global commitment to enabling environments for mothers and babies.
The campaign urges governments and institutions to invest long-term in breastfeeding-friendly health infrastructure, legislation, and social norms transformation.
Way Forward
Implementing science-backed policies in healthcare delivery, workplace accommodations, and public education campaigns.
Strengthening data collection and monitoring to shape responsive breastfeeding programs.
Mobilizing multi-sector efforts involving governments, civil society, and communities to create an enabling environment.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS (FAQ)
Q1: Why is awareness alone insufficient to improve breastfeeding rates?
Because mothers need ongoing, skilled support through health systems, workplaces, and community to overcome practical challenges.
Q2: What are structural reforms in breastfeeding support?
Changes in healthcare training, maternity leave laws, workplace policies, and legislation to protect and promote breastfeeding.
Q3: What role do healthcare workers play?
They provide essential counselling, help with issues like latching, and reinforce breastfeeding during critical early periods.
Q4: How does community support influence breastfeeding?
Family and social encouragement reduce stress and provide practical help that aids mothers’ success.
Published on: August 5, 2025
Published by: PAVAN
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