A report on the state of breastfeeding in 33 countries (pdf), suggested that out of 78 million infants born each year, only about 36 million receive close to a sufficient amount of breastfeeding. However, the U.S. wasn't on the list.
The study assessed local infant breastfeeding and young child feeding programs and policies using guidelines from the World Breastfeeding Trends Initiative (WBTi) tool kit, rating countries into four performance categories.
None of the 33 countries sufficiently met the 10 areas of action highlighted in the WHO's Global Strategy for Infant and Young Child Feeding. Sri Lanka rated number one, among nine countries to rate in the second category.
Breastfeeding in Seattle and Washington state
The Seattle area has only three "Baby-Friendly" hospitals as designated by a joint program of the WHO and UNICEF, which support the "Ten Steps for Healthy Breastfeeding."
Only 21 percent of Washington babies meet the WHO and American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommendations to breastfeed exclusively through 6 months.
A global health and environmental issue
According to the World Breastfeeding Trends press release, millions of newborn babies "are missing out on their foundation of development and basic protection from disease." In addition, "The unnecessary artificial feeding that results, not only risks child health, but also pollutes the environment. Breastmilk is the world’s most local and environmentally friendly food for first two years requiring no polluting packaging or manufacturing or transport."
According to WHO and UNICEF, 1.5 million children die because of not breastfeeding.
Are infant feeding goals unreasonably high?
- Breastfeeding within one hour of birth,
- Exclusive breastfeeding for the first six months, and
- Appropriate complementary feeding after six months along with continued breastfeeding.
What do you think?
Sources: World Breastfeeding Trends press release (pdf)
Discussion: Do you think Seattle is breastfeeding-friendly?
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Breastfeeding Blog: Breastfeeding Happiness
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