UNICEF and WHO Urge Health Systems to Intensify Support for Breastfeeding Mothers
JAKARTA, 1 August, 2024 – UNICEF and the World Health Organization (WHO) are calling for increased support for breastfeeding mothers in Indonesia, including during the first week of a child’s life when early and exclusive breastfeeding is critical.
Over the past six years, there has been a surge in exclusive breastfeeding in Indonesia during the first 6 months of a child’s life – from 52% in 2017 to 68% in 2023. Yet, significant challenges remain in the newborn stage. The National Health Survey (SKI, 2023) found that only 27% of newborns receive breast milk in the first hour, that one in five are given foods or liquids other than breast milk within the first three days, and that only 14% experience skin-to-skin contact for at least one hour immediately after birth.
Early initiation of breastfeeding – putting newborns to the breast within the first hour of life – is critical for newborn survival and establishing long-term breastfeeding. Delays in breastfeeding after birth can have life-threatening consequences.
UNICEF and WHO recommend exclusive breastfeeding for the first six months of life, starting within an hour of birth. Continuing to breastfeed exclusively – without any other food – for the first six months promotes sensory and cognitive development and protects babies against infectious and chronic diseases.
Globally, research shows that babies who are not breastfed are 14 times more likely to die before their first birthday, compared to those exclusively breastfed for the first six months. There is also evidence that breastfed children perform better on intelligence tests, with an IQ increase of 3 to 4 points, are less likely to be obese or overweight and have a reduced risk of diabetes later in life. Optimal breastfeeding practices could save the lives of over 820,000 children under five each year and prevent 20,000 cases of breast cancer in women annually.
“Breastfeeding is often referred to as the baby’s first vaccine because it provides infants with all the essential nutrients they need in their first months of their lives, protects them from common infectious diseases and strengthens their immune systems,” said Maniza Zaman, UNICEF Indonesia Representative. “For mothers to practice early and exclusive breastfeeding, they need to be fully supported by families, health workers, community members and leaders, from the moment the child is born.”
Quality breastfeeding counselling by community health workers, peer counsellors, nurses, midwives, lactation counsellors, or other health providers throughout pregnancy and the postpartum period is critical to improve breastfeeding rates. Mothers also need adequate support, time, and space to breastfeed successfully after giving birth.
The health system also needs to strengthen the implementation and monitoring of the International Code of Marketing of Breastmilk Substitutes, which is designed to protect and promote breastfeeding, and to ensure the proper use of breastmilk substitutes.
“Today, 90% of all deliveries in Indonesia are in health care facilities, but just over one in four newborns receive breast milk within the first hour of delivery,” said Dr N. Paranietharan, WHO Representative to Indonesia. “To close the gap, WHO is committed to supporting the Ministry of Health to integrate breastfeeding assistance into all maternal and neonatal care facilities, ensuring that every child receives the best start to life possible.”
During 2024 World Breastfeeding Week, observed 1-7 August under the theme “Closing the Gap: Breastfeeding Support for All,” UNICEF and WHO are calling for specific actions by governments – both national and sub-national – and stakeholders to better support all breastfeeding mothers:
- Implement the Baby-friendly Hospital Initiative’s ‘Ten Steps to Successful Breastfeeding’ – a package of policies and procedures that should be followed in all maternity facilities to support breastfeeding initiation: https://www.unicef.org/documents/baby-friendly-hospital-initiative
- Include basic breastfeeding education in the training of all healthcare providers, such as physicians, midwives, nurses, nutritionists and dietitians.
- Increase investments in breastfeeding and include funding to implement the Code of Marketing of Breastmilk Substitutes through national, legally enforceable regulations with independent monitoring mechanisms and deterrent sanctions.
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About UNICEF
UNICEF promotes the rights and wellbeing of every child in everything we do. Together with our partners, we work in 190 countries and territories to translate that commitment into practical action, focusing special effort on reaching the most vulnerable and excluded children, to the benefit of all children, everywhere. For more information about UNICEF and its work for children, visit www.unicef.org
For more information, please contact:
Kinanti Pinta Karana, Communication Specialist
Email: [email protected]
Mobile: +62 8158805842
About WHO
Dedicated to the well-being of all people and guided by science, the World Health Organization leads and champions global efforts to give everyone, everywhere an equal chance at a safe and healthy life. We are the UN agency for health that connects nations, partners and people on the front lines in 150+ locations – leading the world’s response to health emergencies, preventing disease, addressing the root causes of health issues, and expanding access to medicines and health care. Our mission is to promote health, keep the world safe and serve the vulnerable. https://www.who.int
For more information, please contact:
Michael Vurens van Es, Communication Officer
Email: [email protected]
Mobile: +62 81181101554
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