The latest National Family Health Survey (NFHS-6) reveals a concerning trend in India regarding breastfeeding practices. While there has been an improvement in the early initiation of breastfeeding after childbirth, the survey indicates a decline in the rate of exclusive breastfeeding during the first six months of life. This widening gap highlights challenges in sustaining exclusive breastfeeding, which is crucial for infant health and development.
What Happened
Sarath Gopalan, president of the Nutrition Society of India and senior consultant paediatric gastroenterologist at Madhukar Rainbow Children’s Hospital, said many mothers want to breastfeed but find it difficult to continue exclusively for six months. Often, the challenges begin after they leave the hospital, when they may not have the same support and guidance,” he said. Adhunika Prakash, founder of Breastfeeding Support for Indian Mothers, said breastfeeding should be treated as a public health priority rather than an individual responsibility. “Closing this gap requires greater awareness, stronger support systems, and evidence-based guidance for every mother,” she said, calling for comprehensive lactation education in medical and nursing curricula and access to skilled lactation counselling irrespective of socioeconomic background.
“India has made progress in helping mothers start breastfeeding soon after birth, but many struggle to continue exclusively for the first six months.
