Exclusive breastfeeding rates decline in India despite maternal health improvements
Despite significant gains in maternal and child health, including increased institutional deliveries and women's empowerment, exclusive breastfeeding (EBF) rates in India have declined, according to NFHS-6 data. EBF, crucial for infant survival and development, fell from 63.7% in NFHS-5 to 55.8%. Experts attribute this paradox to growing economic pressures, informal employment, lack of maternity protection, inadequate workplace support, and erosion of traditional support networks. The decline is steeper in rural areas and is also linked to rising C-section rates and aggressive marketing of formula products.
Key Points
- Exclusive breastfeeding (EBF) rates in India have declined, despite overall improvements in maternal and child health indicators.
- The decline is attributed to economic pressures, lack of maternity protection, inadequate workplace support, and changing family structures.
- Rising C-section rates and aggressive marketing of infant formula are also cited as contributing factors to the decline.
- EBF is recognized as one of the most effective interventions for ensuring child survival and healthy development.
Exam Facts
- EBF declined from 63.7% in NFHS-5 to 55.8% in NFHS-6 (2023-24).
- Early initiation of breastfeeding improved from 41.8% to 50.1%.
- C-section rates rose from 21.5% to 27.2%.
- Maternity Benefit Act, 1961 (amended in 2017) provides 26 weeks of paid maternity leave for the organised sector.
- e-Shram portal recorded over 16.69 crore women as unorganised workers by 2025.
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