The exclusive breastfeeding rate of infants below six months in the country has increased from over 50 per cent in 2015 to nearly 70 per cent last year. This is according to the National Health Survey 2023. Health officials attribute the increase to enhanced awareness and improved mother and child healthcare services. The health ministry is also planning to further improve breastfeeding by opening lactation management clinics.
According to the National Health Survey 2023, nearly 70 per cent of infants were exclusively breastfed for the first six months of their life.
Over 18 per cent received breast milk and water, and more than 11 per cent were given breast milk and other liquids.
Sonam Dolkar, a mother said “Breastfeeding children is very important because there is a significant difference between children who are breastfed and those who are not, especially when it comes to getting sick. I couldn’t breastfeed my son exclusively because I thought he wasn’t eating much. But now he easily falls sick. However, my two daughters were breastfed exclusively, and they are quite strong. Now, I tell my friends that there is a difference between those who are breastfed and non-breastfed children.”
Menuka Phyal, another mother said “Mother’s milk is the healthiest option compared to other types of milk such as packaged ones. Breastfeeding benefits not only babies but also mothers. If babies do not breastfeed, it can be painful for mothers as their breasts may swell due to milk accumulation. Sometimes in severe cases, this can lead to complications that may require surgeries.”
“Mothers raise their children from birth and help them become independent adults. When it comes to breastfeeding, children should be exclusively breastfed for the first six months. So, for this and many other reasons, children should be immensely grateful to their mothers,” said Tashi Tshering, a monk.
Tandin Zam, Clinical Nurse of the Gyaltsuen Jetsun Pema Wangchuck Mother and Child Hospital said “Breastfeeding is more than just the milk; it has benefits for both the mother and the baby. For example, for the mother, it will prevent her from bleeding immediately after delivery. And for baby, it will help baby prevent getting jaundice. Also, it will maintain temperature and for mother it will also help them maintain her mental health.”
She said that community and family support are crucial to help create a positive environment that encourages and sustains breastfeeding.
“Here, the family and the community play a great role, especially the family. If there is good support from the family, all the women will produce enough breast milk. For example, if fathers can at least change diaper, help her with cooking, with household chores, that will help her get a good rest. So, directly or indirectly, when she is stress-free and gets enough rest then she will produce enough milk.”
To improve breastfeeding, there are three functional Lactation Management Clinics in the National Referral Hospital, Gelephu Regional Referral Hospital and Monggar Regional Referral Hospital. Further, there are plans to start the clinic in all district hospitals.
“In this financial year, we are planning to expand Lactation Management Clinics in some district hospitals where antenatal, postnatal and birthing are high. So, we are planning to cover at least few districts this fiscal year and going forward in the next couple of years, we will have these services in all the district hospitals in the country,” said Hari Prasad Pokhrel, Nutritionist at the Department of Public Health.
Health officials are urging all breastfeeding mothers to seek guidance when they face challenges with milk supply, lactating difficulties, and managing pain or discomfort.
“We would like to encourage and request our mothers to come forward to our health facilities and even if there are no Lactation Management Clinics, but then we do have trained staff in health facilities across the country who are very much in capacity to provide the necessary services,” added Hari Prasad Pokhrel, nutritionist.
According to the Bhutan Multiple Indicator Survey, more than 48 per cent of children received exclusive breastfeeding in 2010, and the rate of breastfeeding further increased to over 51 per cent in 2015.
The first week of August every year is marked as World Breastfeeding Week.
The event serves as a reminder to promote, protect and support breastfeeding globally.
Kinzang Lhadon
Edited by Tshering Zam
