(a) whether only 33 per cent tots are exclusively breastfed in first six months;
(b) if so, whether the Government is considering to create more awareness
among the people about various advantages of breast feeding;
(c) if so, the details thereof;
(d) whether the Government is considering to ask all the gynaecologists
in the country to advise the new mothers about importance of breast feeding; and
(e) if so, the details thereof?
THE MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF HEALTH AND FAMILY WELFARE
(SHRI SUDIP BANDYOPADHYAY)
(a): As per, Coverage Evaluation Survey 2009, 37 percent of children in
6-9 months of age group are exclusively breast fed in first six months of life.
(b) & (c): Yes. In the Annual Project Implementation Plans of the states,
funds are allocated for carrying out of activities for raising awareness among
the people. These activities include Breastfeeding Awareness Campaigns during
the Breastfeeding Week (1st-7th August), training of community workers,
development and use of information education and counselling material on
breastfeeding. In addition, the ASHAs visit new-borns at home during first
six weeks of life and use this opportunity to inform the mother and the family
about exclusive breastfeeding and its advantages.
(d) & (e): The Ministry of Health and Family Welfare is sensitising maternal
and child health service providers including doctors, nurses and ANMs at delivery
points to initiate early breastfeeding (within one hour of birth) and to
educate the mothers during the antenatal and postnatal period.
Infant and young child feeding practices, which include exclusive breastfeeding
as an important component, is integrated across various training programmes
under the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare.