UK medical journal hails breast-feeding

The Lancet, the leading medical research journal, is calling for positive social attitudes toward breast-feeding, stricter policy interventions and better regulation of the breast milk substitute industry to increase worldwide the practice for the health and economic benefits for women.

Mothers are 2.5 times more likely to breast-feed where breast-feeding is protected, promoted and supported, according to Robert Scherpbier, Chief of Health, Nutrition and Water, Sanitation and Hygiene of UNICEF China.

Breast-feeding rates can be dramatically increased in a very short time, with a package of actions, policies and programs to support mothers at health facilities, at home and at work, he said.