Breastfeeding is the clinical gold standard for infant feeding and nutrition, with breast milk uniquely tailored to meet the health needs of a growing baby. However, breastfeeding seems to be under attack by the commercial influence of the baby food industry, supported at work places and in the hospitals where they come to deliver. Artificial baby milk formula cannot meet the gold standards of breast milk. Provisions of IMS Act exists but widespread awareness and effective enforcement is required. Various studies reveal the gaps in the provision and implementation of the laws and awareness programs and to suggest appropriate solutions. It, thus, becomes necessary to emphasize upon the provisions of IMS Act, 2003 and evidently bring forward the commercial influence of baby food industry. Review revealed that the provisions of IMS Act has been violated at various online and offline platforms. Strategies to optimise breastfeeding and overcome breastfeeding barriers in the country are recommended, including community health and education programmes and -˜baby friendly’ hospital initiatives. Advocates of breastfeeding are needed at the national, community and family levels. In addition, more systematic research should be conducted to examine breastfeeding practices and the best strategies to promote breastfeeding in this country. Dr. Ritu Pradhan | Anupreet Kaur Sobti "Optimizing Breastfeeding for Better Health Outcomes: The Way Forward" Published in International Journal of Trend in Scientific Research and Development (ijtsrd), ISSN: 2456-6470, Volume-5 | Issue-5 , August 2021, URL: https://www.ijtsrd.com/papers/ijtsrd45105.pdf Paper URL: https://www.ijtsrd.com/home-science/family-health/45105/optimizing-breastfeeding-for-better-health-outcomes-the-way-forward/dr-ritu-pradhan
International Journal of Trend in Scientific Research and Development (IJTSRD)
Volume 5 Issue 5, July-August 2021 Available Online: www.ijtsrd.com e-ISSN: 2456 – 6470
@ IJTSRD | Unique Paper ID – IJTSRD45105 | Volume – 5 | Issue – 5 | Jul-Aug 2021
Page 1655
Optimizing Breastfeeding for Better Health Outcomes:
The Way Forward
Dr. Ritu Pradhan
1
, Anupreet Kaur Sobti
2
1Associate Professor and Head, 2Post Graduate Student,
1,2Department of Foods and Nutrition, Government Home Science College, Chandigarh, Punjab, India
ABSTRACT
Breastfeeding is the clinical gold standard for infant feeding and
nutrition, with breast milk uniquely tailored to meet the health needs
of a growing baby. However, breastfeeding seems to be under attack
by the commercial influence of the baby food industry, supported at
work places and in the hospitals where they come to deliver.
Artificial baby milk (formula) cannot meet the gold standards of
breast milk. Provisions of IMS Act exists but widespread awareness
and effective enforcement is required. Various studies reveal the gaps
in the provision and implementation of the laws and awareness
programs and to suggest appropriate solutions. It, thus, becomes
necessary to emphasize upon the provisions of IMS Act, 2003 and
evidently bring forward the commercial influence of baby food
industry. Review revealed that the provisions of IMS Act has been
violated at various online and offline platforms. Strategies to
optimise breastfeeding and overcome breastfeeding barriers in the
country are recommended, including community health and
education programmes and ‘baby-friendly’ hospital initiatives.
Advocates of breastfeeding are needed at the national, community
and family levels. In addition, more systematic research should be
conducted to examine breastfeeding practices and the best strategies
to promote breastfeeding in this country.
KEYWORDS: Breastfeeding, Breastmilk, Artificial baby milk, IMS
Act, Baby friendly hospital initiatives
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