Exclusive breastfeeding among infants and children is only 8.6 percent while breastfeeding with complementary foods is only 29.9 percent. This is according to the Food and Nutrition Research Institute of the Department of Science and Technology’s (FNRI-DOST) survey on infant feeding practices of Filipino children 0-23 months old which was part of the 7th National Nutrition Survey in 2008.
Based on the survey results, the infant feeding practices of Filipino infants and young children are far from the World Health Organization (WHO) and United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) recommendation that infants receive only breastmilk from birth to six months and given appropriate complementary foods with continued breastfeeding for up to two years of age and beyond.
The survey revealed that even if the percentage of infants and young children exclusively breastfed is combined with that of breastfeeding with complementary feeding, the percentage is lower than those fed with infant formula and other milk alone or in combination with other foods at 55.4 percent.
In addition, average duration of exclusive breastfeeding is only 2.3 months and breastfeeding in general is only 4.9 months which is far from the ideal six months exclusive breastfeeding and up to two years of continued breastfeeding.
The low proportion of breastfeeding among infants and young children and the short duration of breastfeeding can be the causes of the high prevalence of undernutrition among 0-5 year-old children. Underweight and stunting among these children are 20.7 and 32.3 percent, respectively.
The survey results pose a challenge to the government and all breastfeeding promoters to intensify advocacy and training to empower mothers to choose breastfeeding over formula feeding. It is also imperative to create a friendly working environment to help nursing mothers continue breastfeeding even while working.
For more information on food and nutrition, you may write or call: Dr. Mario V. Capanzana, Director, Food and Nutrition Research Institute, Department of Science and Technology, Gen. Santos Avenue, Bicutan, Taguig City; Telefax: 837-3164; e-mail: mvc@fnri.dost.gov.phThis e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it, mar_v_c@yahoo.com, , FNRI-DOST website: http://www.fnri.dost.gov.ph. Mildred O. Guindola, FNRI-DOST S&T Media Service
