Kerala sees low rate of exclusive breastfeeding: Only 56% of infants get breast milk for six months as baby food usage rises

Thrissur: Only 56% of infants in Kerala are exclusively breastfed for the first six months, according to the fifth survey conducted by the Union Ministry of Health and Family Welfare. Nationally, the figure stands higher, with 64% of infants receiving only breast milk for the first six months. The World Health Organization (WHO) recommends exclusive breastfeeding for the first six months of life.

However, in Kerala, 46% of mothers begin introducing other foods before the infant reaches six months. A major portion of these mothers are employed in the unorganised sector, where maternity leave is not available. Even among those who are eligible for maternity leave, it is common practice to start complementary feeding early as a form of preparation.

Doctors note that many parents introduce baby food before six months, often due to the affordability and availability of commercial baby food products. Although a law was passed by Parliament in 2003 to discourage the use of formula and baby foods, it is often ignored in practice.

Despite 99.9% of deliveries taking place in hospitals, only 68% of newborns in Kerala receive breast milk within the first hour after birth.