What is the scenario in the state with regard to the importance accorded to breastfeeding?

When it comes to initiating breastfeeding, we figure among the three states with worst figures as per the National Family Health Survey (NFHS)-3.

Which means women in the state are unaware of the importance of initiating breastfeeding within an hour after birth?

True. Only a small percentage of women in Punjab (10.3 per cent) are actually aware of the importance of initiating breastfeeding. As per NFHS-3, the states that top the country as far as awareness regarding breastfeeding is concerned are Mizoram (65.4 per cent), Goa (59.7 per cent) and Meghalaya (58.6 per cent), while Punjab is third from the bottom of the list.

How important is the initiation of breastfeeding?

Figures suggest that breastfeeding a newborn within an hour of birth can save up to one million lives worldwide, and as many as 2.5 lakh lives in the country alone. The reason goes without saying that mother’s milk is full of immunity against various kinds of infections and diseases.

What about exclusive breastfeeding in the first six months? Do Punjabi women lag far behind in this category as well?

No, they fare somewhat better in this category. As many as 36 per cent of women in the state know the importance of exclusive breastfeeding in the first six months when the infant is not fed with anything else.

Why do you think women do not attach as much importance to breastfeeding as they should?