‘Breastfeeding practices have improved in India’

Breastfeeding practices in India have improved in the past few <g data-gr-id="16">years</g> but efforts are needed to sustain these and address issues like maternity leave and other benefits besides ensuring mother-friendly workplace, the UNICEF has said.

"In India, between 2006 and 2013, there has been an improvement in the breastfeeding rates. The latest data show that 44.6 <g data-gr-id="19">per cent</g> children are put to breastfeeding within one hour of birth and 64.9 per cent children under six months of age are exclusively breastfed," UNICEF Nutrition Specialist Gayatri Singh told PTI. She cited the provisional figures of the Rapid Survey on Children 2013-14 conducted by the Union Ministry of Women and Child Development. "While there is progress, efforts are required to sustain and strengthen the breastfeeding practices," she stressed.

The first week of August (1-7) is globally celebrated as the World Breastfeeding Week highlighting the critical <g data-gr-id="15">importances</g> of breastfeeding for children. "Breastfeeding and <g data-gr-id="13">work ?</g> Let's make it work' has been the theme for this year's World Breastfeeding Week.