Why increasing breastfeeding prevalence is essential

Breastfeeding has been recognized for decades as the best way to feed infants It protects babies against malnutrition and infections, helps mother and baby bond, contributes to children’s cognitive development, and reduces children’s risk of obesity and related conditions Until the early 20th century, breastfeeding was the norm But the practice began to be associated with low class and lack of education, and the use of infant formula increased Although breastfeeding experienced a modest increase beginning in the 1960s, its prevalence is still low Only 40% of children younger than six months are breastfed exclusively, and only 23 countries have exclusive breastfeeding rates above 60%, according to a recent report Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health’s Ana Langer says it’s essential to increase the prevalence of breastfeeding Ana Langer, director of the Women and Health Initiative