Nutrition Fellowship calls for stronger breastfeeding support
Summary
The Nutrition Fellowship has called for stronger breastfeeding support in Nepal, citing low exclusive breastfeeding rates, weak workplace protections, and uneven enforcement of rules on breast-milk substitutes. It says better maternity leave, breastfeeding-friendly workplaces, and community counselling are needed to protect mothers and infants.
Key Points
- The Nutrition Fellowship, part of the SidArt Foundation, urged stronger measures to protect, promote and support breastfeeding in Nepal.
- Its analysis found low exclusive breastfeeding rates, high bottle-feeding levels in some areas, and large annual economic losses linked to inadequate breastfeeding.
- The group called for six months of paid maternity leave, stronger enforcement of the Breast Milk Substitutes Act, and more breastfeeding-friendly health facilities and workplaces.
- Health officials and pediatric experts said policy changes must be matched by effective implementation and support for mothers in informal and formal employment.
