Breastfeeding - a polarizing issue

International Health Policy (IHP) ccording to the author the benefits of breastfeeding are proven: lower infant mortality, prevention of obesity and diabetes, as well as against certain cancers. In addition it is cost-free! Nevertheless, in developing and emerging countries, only about 37% of babies are exclusively breastfed.

The reasons are many: the risks of formula application are underestimated and health systems promote that “breastfeeding is best” but often, mothers are left on their own to figure out how to do so as many countries still struggle to scale up interventions that work. (Photo: Steve Evans / flickr)

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