NFHS-6 Reveals Alarmingly Low Breastfeeding Rates in India

The recently released National Family Health Survey-6 (NFHS-6) has triggered serious public health concerns. Specifically, exclusive breastfeeding rates for infants have fallen sharply from 64% in 2019-21 to 56% in 2023-24. This unexpected drop reverses a decade of steady progress. Consequently, medical experts are calling for urgent interventions to address this decline.

The Decline in Exclusive Breastfeeding Rates Across States

Several high-population states recorded severe declines on this crucial metric. For example, in Uttar Pradesh, the proportion fell from 60% to 35%. Similarly, Haryana witnessed a sharp drop from 70% to 41%. Furthermore, Rajasthan and Madhya Pradesh also recorded significant declines. In contrast, a few states bucked the negative trend. Kerala, Gujarat, and West Bengal reported modest improvements during the same timeframe. Currently, Chhattisgarh leads the nation with an impressive rate of 76%.

Positive Trends in Early Initiation

While exclusive breastfeeding has declined, early initiation of breastfeeding has improved. Specifically, newborns breastfed within the first hour of birth rose from 42% to 50% nationwide. This positive development is especially visible in states like Jharkhand, Bihar, and Chhattisgarh. For instance, Jharkhand recorded a dramatic rise from 22% to 46.8%. However, certain states like Punjab and West Bengal unfortunately saw a decline on this parameter. Therefore, healthcare providers must maintain focus on sustaining these gains through specialized training in paediatrics and neonatal support.

Identifying the Barriers and Systemic Issues

The Breastfeeding Promotion Network of India (BPNI) identified multiple reasons for these declining numbers. First, rising rates of Caesarean sections often delay early feeding. Many healthcare facilities wrongly assume that mothers cannot breastfeed successfully after a surgical birth. Additionally, commercial marketing of infant formula has expanded aggressively. This digital promotion normalizes formula feeding and directly undermines optimal practices. Consequently, pediatricians must actively support mothers and educate families about these commercial influences.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1: Why are exclusive breastfeeding rates falling in India?

The decline is driven by weak health system support, rising C-section rates, and commercial formula marketing. Additionally, misleading beliefs about feeding after surgical births contribute to this drop. For those interested in improving maternal and child health outcomes, specialized certification courses offer the expertise needed to guide families effectively.

Q2: Which state performed the best in the latest survey?

Chhattisgarh recorded the highest exclusive breastfeeding rate at 76%. Meanwhile, Kerala achieved the highest early initiation rate, with over 82% of newborns breastfed within the first hour.

References

1. Breastfeeding rates for infants have fallen sharply, shows NFHS – ETHealthworld
2. Only 15.3% children aged 6-23 months receive adequate diet: NFHS-6 – The Hindu
3. Exclusive breastfeeding falls in India despite gains in child nutrition: NFHS-6 – Times of India

Disclaimer: This article was automatically generated from publicly available sources and is provided for informational and educational purposes only. OC Academy does not exercise editorial control or claim authorship over this content. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider and refer to current local and national clinical guidelines.