What is the reason for the decline in breastfeeding?
Actually the global rate of exclusive breastfeeding increased 18% (from 39% to 46%) between 1989 and 1999, according to UNICEF. This is a welcome development, however it is very difficult to make a general statement as the situation varies dramatically from country to country. e.g. the reported exclusive BF rate in Liberia is 73% while in Kenya reaches only 5% (1). Many factors could have an impact on exclusive breastfeeding patterns and they are all linked to economical, social and cultural circumstances. e.g. it has been estimated that in parts of South Africa, 90 % of women breastfeed, however only 10% do so exclusively in the first months. This rate of exclusive breastfeeding drops further to 2% by the fourth month, with plain water being the most common additional substance used and very small number of women using infant formula. Other Factors, which have an impact on breastfeeding, include the rapid urbanisation in developing countries, which has led to social and cultural chang
