Nurturing change: Unraveling breastfeeding trends, implications, and progress paths

Abstract The key breastfeeding indicators, such as initiating breastfeeding within 1 hour of birth and exclusively breastfeeding for the initial 6 months after birth, are crucial indicators. Both indicators hold significant implications for the well-being of children and mothers, and their impact extends to the nation’s economic prosperity. National Family Health Survey fifth round shows that more effort is required to improve the breastfeeding indicators to achieve the Sustainable Development Goal target. To make meaningful progress in improving these indicators, it is imperative to identify the existing gaps within current breastfeeding support programs. Addressing these gaps requires strengthening initiatives regarding human resources, capacity building, monitoring, public awareness campaigns, and inclusion of Ayush intervention. The review article analyzes breastfeeding trends from India’s National Family Health Survey, identifies causes for challenges, and proposes actionable solutions to improve breastfeeding practices through modern and Ayush intervention.