Who collects breastfeeding statistics?

Who Collects Breastfeeding Statistics?
Breastfeeding statistics are crucial for understanding infant nutrition and public health trends globally. Various organizations and institutions are involved in the collection and analysis of these statistics, each contributing to a comprehensive understanding of breastfeeding practices and their implications for maternal and child health.
Key Organizations Involved
1. UNICEF: One of the primary collectors of breastfeeding data is UNICEF, which utilizes household surveys such as the Demographic and Health Surveys (DHS) and Multiple Indicator Cluster Surveys (MICS). These surveys gather data on several breastfeeding indicators, including the rates of ever breastfeeding, early initiation of breastfeeding, and exclusive breastfeeding practices during the first days of life. UNICEF’s data collection efforts are vital for informing policies and programs aimed at improving breastfeeding rates worldwide.
2. World Health Organization (WHO): The WHO plays a significant role in setting global breastfeeding guidelines and collecting data on breastfeeding practices. They conduct research and publish reports that analyze breastfeeding trends across different regions, helping to identify areas needing intervention and support.
3. National Health Agencies: Many countries have their own health departments or agencies that collect breastfeeding statistics. For instance, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) in the United States conducts the National Immunization Survey, which includes questions about breastfeeding practices among mothers. These national surveys help track progress towards public health goals related to breastfeeding.
4. Academic and Research Institutions: Universities and research organizations often conduct studies and surveys to gather data on breastfeeding. These studies may focus on specific populations or regions, providing detailed insights into the factors influencing breastfeeding rates and practices.
Importance of Breastfeeding Statistics
The collection of breastfeeding statistics is essential for several reasons. Firstly, it helps identify trends and disparities in breastfeeding practices, allowing health organizations to target interventions effectively. For example, understanding the barriers that certain demographics face in breastfeeding can lead to tailored support programs that address specific needs.
Moreover, breastfeeding statistics are crucial for evaluating the effectiveness of public health campaigns and policies aimed at promoting breastfeeding. By analyzing data over time, organizations can assess whether their initiatives are making a positive impact on breastfeeding rates.
Challenges in Data Collection
Despite the importance of breastfeeding statistics, there are challenges in data collection. Variability in survey methodologies, cultural differences in breastfeeding practices, and the stigma surrounding breastfeeding in some societies can affect the accuracy and reliability of the data collected. Additionally, the need for continuous support and education for mothers is highlighted, as many may not have access to the necessary resources or information to initiate and maintain breastfeeding.
In conclusion, the collection of breastfeeding statistics is a collaborative effort involving international organizations like UNICEF and WHO, national health agencies, and academic institutions. These statistics are vital for understanding breastfeeding trends, informing public health policies, and ultimately improving maternal and child health outcomes globally.

What is the statistical data for breastfeeding?

BREASTFEEDING PRACTICES
Based on survey data collected in 2016-22, 46% of newborns initiated breastfeeding within one hour of birth against the target of 70% (Figure 2). While 71% of women continue to breastfeed their infant for at least one year, by two years of age, breastfeeding rates decline to 45%.

What is a breastfeeding counselor called?

A lactation consultant is a health professional who specializes in breastfeeding (chestfeeding) and in offering human milk to infants. You can visit a lactation consultant while you’re pregnant, right after you give birth or several months into breastfeeding.

How are breastfeeding rates collected in the US?

The IFPSII specifically asks if the child was ever breastfed or if the mother attempted to breastfeed on the neonatal survey, with a slightly different question on subsequent surveys. In total, these 11 datasets use seven different questions to assess breastfeeding initiation.

What organization is related to breastfeeding?

The Breastfeeding Promotion Network of India (BPNI) was founded on 3rd December, 1991 at Wardha, Maharashtra. It is a national network of organisations and individuals dedicated to promote mother and child health through protection, promotion, and support of breastfeeding.

WHO recommended breastfeeding rate?

WHO and UNICEF recommend that children initiate breastfeeding within the first hour of birth and be exclusively breastfed for the first 6 months of life – meaning no other foods or liquids are provided, including water. Infants should be breastfed on demand – that is as often as the child wants, day and night.

WHO recommends breastfeeding for 2 years?

The American Academy of Pediatrics and the World Health Organization also recommend exclusive breastfeeding for about the first 6 months, with continued breastfeeding along with introducing appropriate complementary foods for up to 2 years of age or longer.

How can hospitals increase breastfeeding rates?

The regular ongoing individualized antenatal education and postnatal support can effective increase the rates of exclusive breastfeeding from delivery to postpartum 4 months and change the breastfeeding behavior.

WHO is the national breastfeeding coordinator?

Laura McHugh, HSE National Breastfeeding Coordinator, said: “It’s great to see all that’s been achieved over the last few years.

WHO statistics on breastfeeding?

About 44% of infants 0–6 months old are exclusively breastfed. Few children receive nutritionally adequate and safe complementary foods; in many countries less than a fourth of infants 6–23 months of age meet the criteria of dietary diversity and feeding frequency that are appropriate for their age.

Why are exclusive breastfeeding rates low in the US?

In the case of infant feeding decisions, American women are thwarted in their ability to choose the healthy option by the demands of work outside the home and lack of societal support for new mothers. Today, more than half of women in the United States with children less than a year old work outside the home.