Odisha Leads in Breastfeeding Rates, Surpassing National Averages

Bhubaneswar: On the occasion of World Breastfeeding Week, the Directorate of Family Welfare and UNICEF highlighted Odisha’s commendable progress in breastfeeding practices. According to the NFHS-5 survey, 68.5% of infants in Odisha are breastfed within the first hour of birth, a figure significantly higher than the national average of 41.8%. The state’s rate of exclusive breastfeeding for the first six months is also noteworthy at 72.9%, compared to the national average of 63.7%.

World Breastfeeding Week, observed from August 1 to 7 each year, aims to raise awareness about the benefits of exclusive breastfeeding and to support mothers’ rights to breastfeed anywhere and anytime. This year’s theme, “Closing the Gap: Breastfeeding Support for All,” focuses on ensuring that all mothers receive the necessary support.

Dr. Sanjukta Sahoo, Director of Family Welfare, emphasized the importance of breast milk, stating, “Breast milk contains protective antibodies that help infants defend against diseases and is their first source of nutrition. Breastfeeding benefits both mothers and babies, promoting their lifelong health and development. The state government has banned the promotion of commercial preparations in health institutions since the IMS Act was enforced and amended in 2003.”

The World Health Organization (WHO) and UNICEF recommend breastfeeding within the first hour of birth and exclusive breastfeeding for the first six months of life. After six months, infants should start eating safe, adequate, and diverse complementary foods while continuing breastfeeding up to two years or beyond.

Dr. Sahoo also highlighted the state government’s initiatives to support breastfeeding, including 12 BFHI-accredited hospitals, Comprehensive Lactation Management Centres in two hospitals, Lactation Management Units in 18 locations (with seven more forthcoming), and the promotion of skin-to-skin contact through Kangaroo Mother Care (KMC). Additionally, 31 Infant and Young Child Feeding (IYCF) counselling centres are set up at District Headquarters Hospitals. The “MAA” program has trained Medical Officers, Staff Nurses, ANMs, ASHAs, and AWWs in IYCF across the state.

Sourav Bhattacharjee, Nutrition Specialist at UNICEF Odisha, elaborated on this year’s theme, stating, “Many women face breastfeeding challenges due to structural barriers and aggressive formula marketing. Solutions include comprehensive policies, healthcare improvements, and community initiatives.”

The workshop also featured insights from Dr. Aditya Mohapatra, Additional Director of Child Health, and Dr. Smrutijit Patnaik, Joint Director of Nutrition, who emphasized the multifaceted benefits of breastfeeding for both mother and child.