Mothers have been breastfeeding for centuries, however recently there is a growing

knowledge about breastfeeding that it helps to fully comprehend its vital role in health
and development. Despite this expanding body of evidence, the overall rate of
breastfeeding has been stagnant in the past two decades. In 3rd world countries, less
than 40% of infants are exclusively breastfed and it became the main challenge of
these countries because of late initiation to breastfeeding. Surprisingly, middle and
high-income countries have less than one in five children are breastfed for the first 12
months. Furthermore, there is a difficulty in tracking the progress of these countries
because of uneven and limited breastfeeding data. Overall the result suggests that in
the 21st century, breastfeeding is more prevalent in poorer countries than in rich
countries and poor women breastfeed for longer than rich women.

Multiple studies have proven the substantial benefits of breastfeeding for children and
women in high and low-income countries such as providing protection, improving
cognitive development, and enhance maternal help. Infants younger than six months
who did not receive breastfeeding are presumably to die than those who received it
because breast milk has antibodies that provide protection to the infant. There is an
overwhelming indication that breastfeeding ends that the two leading causes of death
in children under 5 years old – pneumonia and diarrhea. Additionally, studies show that
enhanced knowledge as a result of breastfeeding correlates to improve academic
performance and increased productivity. Moreover, women that breastfeed have
reduced risks for both breast and ovarian cancers.

Breastfeeding is an essential public health issue because the health of women, infants,
and children are intrinsically connected to promote health, prevents disease, and
reducing health inequalities. With that said, it helps to bring transformative change
needed to shape a sustainable future. Investment and commitment by governments
are needed in society to promote and support breastfeeding to ensure the health of
women and children for generations to come.

REFERENCES:

Victora CG, Aluísio J D Barros AJD, França GVA, et al. Breastfeeding in the 21st century:
epidemiology, mechanisms, and lifelong effect. Lancet 2016; 387: 475–90.

Rollins NC, et al. Lancet Breastfeeding Series: Why invest, and what it will take to
improve breastfeeding practices in less than a generation. Lancet 2016; 387: 491–504.