More babies exclusively breastfed, but for shorter period

By Imelda A. Agdeppa, Ph.D.

FNRI-DOST S & T Media Service

Breastfeeding is the best way of providing infants with the nutrients from the mother’s milk which they crucially need for a healthy headstart at growth and development early in life.

Breastmilk is the ideal and complete food because it contains all the nutrients an infant needs in the first six months of life. It protects babies against common infant diseases like diarrhea and pneumonia. Breastmilk is also readily available, ensuring infants of adequate sustenance. It also promotes sensory and cognitive development among infants.

The 2011 updating survey on infant feeding practices among children 0-23 months old by the Food and Nutrition Research Institute of the Department of Science and Technology (FNRI-DOST) revealed that among 0-5 month-old infants, about half (or 48.9 percent) are exclusively breastfed.

Exclusive breastfeeding means that the infant receives only breastmilk and no other liquids or solids are given, not even water, with the exception of oral rehydration solution, or drops and syrups of vitamins, minerals or medicine.

Results of the survey also revealed that among 6-8 month-old infants, only 5.1 percent are exclusively breastfed, while among 9-23 month-old infants; a measly 0.6 percent are exclusively breastfed.

The survey covered 6,653 children 0-23 months old. Of these children, 24 percent belongs to the 0-5 month old group, 27.4 percent to the 6-11 month old group and 48.6 percent to the 12-23 month age group.

The World Health Organization (WHO) recommends to mothers worldwide to exclusively breastfeed infants at least for the first six months to achieve optimal growth, development and health for the infant.

The region with the highest percentage of exclusively breastfed 0-5 months old infants is Eastern Visayas with 72.7 percent.

On the other hand, Central Luzon, Cavite-Laguna-Batangas-Rizal-Quezon (CALABARZON), National Capital Region (NCR), Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM), Cagayan Valley and Central Visayas are the regions with lower percentages of exclusively breastfed children. These range from 27.8 to 48.5 percent, which are lower than the national percentage of 48.9 percent.

The survey also revealed that 51.9 percent or about half of mothers start to breastfeed within the recommended one hour after delivery, followed by 32.3 percent or one-third at less than one day after delivery, and 15.8 percent at more than one day after delivery. Immediate breastfeeding within an hour after birth is crucial because of colostrum, the yellowish, sticky breastmilk produced at the end of pregnancy. The WHO recommends colostrums as the perfect food for the newborn due to the antibodies it contains.

According to the 2011 updating survey, the proportion of exclusively breastfed 0-5 month-old infants is 46.7 percent, higher compared to the 2008 national nutrition survey result of 35.9 percent. This reflects an increase of 10.8 percentage points.

Moreover in 2011, the proportion of exclusively breastfed 0-23 month-old infants is higher 11. 8 percent, compared to 8.6 percent in 2008.

Exclusive breastfeeding reduces infant mortality due to common childhood illnesses like diarrhea and pneumonia and helps the baby recover during illness.

Breastfeeding likewise benefits mothers, as it helps to space children, reduces the risk of some cancers such as ovarian and breast cancers.

Further, breastfeeding helps women return to their pre-pregnancy weight faster and lowers rates of obesity.

Although there have been increases in the proportions of exclusively breastfed infants over the years, the increases are only in small percentages.

Policies to promote and protect breastfeeding like providing nursing stations in the workplaces, must be seriously implemented, and should be compatible with women’s work.

Strict implementation of the Mother-and-Baby-Friendly Hospital Initiative (MBFHI), includes giving the infant immediately to the mother to breastfeed within the first hour of birth to make sure colostrum is consumed by the infant.

Communication and advocacy for active involvement in support of breastfeeding is important in increasing the percentage of exclusively breastfed infants.

For more information on food and nutrition, contact Dr. Mario V. Capanzana, Director, Food and Nutrition Research Institute, Department of Science and Technology, General Santos Avenue, Bicutan, Taguig City. Email: mvc@fnri.dost.gov.ph. Telefax: 837-2934 and 827-3164, or call 837-2071 local 2296 or visit our website: http://www.fnri.dost.gov.ph