'Exclusive breastfeeding declining in Manipur'
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, August 10 2026: Even as exclusive breastfeeding is crucial for newborns during the first six months of life, the practice is gradually declining, with many parents now opting for bottle-feeding instead.

According to the National Family Health Survey (NFHS-4), conducted in 2015-16, the rate of exclusive breastfeeding in Manipur stood at 73.6 per cent.

However, the figure declined to 70.7 per cent in NFHS-5, conducted in 2019-21 .

Manipur was not covered under NFHS-6, conducted in 2023-24, due to the prevailing situation in the State.

At the National level, the rate of exclusive breastfeeding was 54.9 per cent in NFHS-4, 53.7 per cent in NFHS-5 and 55.8 per cent in NFHS-6 .

Dr Kh Ratankumar, Chairman-cum-Managing Director of Mother's Care Children Hospital & Research Centre, told The Sangai Express that an increasing number of parents are opting for bottle-feeding despite the benefits of breastfeeding for both mothers and children.

He said many mothers resort to other forms of milk to feed their babies out of concern that they may not be producing enough breast milk.

Saying that low breast milk production after childbirth is relatively rare, he added that mothers who fear they are not producing enough milk should seek proper counselling and guidance.

He, however, said that a reduction in breast milk production should not be taken lightly and may require appropriate attention.

Saying that counselling must be given to new mothers on the benefit of breastfeeding, Dr Ratankumar added that replacement for breastfeeding must be done only after consulting with medical experts.

Working mothers often switch to bottle-feeding three to four months after childbirth, but the practice is a matter of concern which needs to be changed, he said.

Dr Ratankumar also said workplaces should encourage breastfeeding by providing a separate, private room where new mothers can feed their children.

Likleima Ningombam, a new mother, said she was able to breastfeed her child after attending a counselling session.

Breastfeeding is not easy, she said, adding that she was unable to breastfeed her child for a long time despite repeated attempts.

She said she was able to breastfeed her baby after attending a counselling session, where she was taught the proper way to hold the baby and breastfeed.

Likleima said she might not have been able to breastfeed her child if she had given up after facing difficulties in the early stages.

Khuraijam Ranjana, former general secretary of the Breastfeeding Promotion Alliance of Manipur, said that not every cry from a baby means that the baby is hungry.

Saying that breast milk is the best food for newborns, she added that feeding babies only breast milk helps ensure their healthy growth and development.

Although complementary foods are needed to provide additional nutrients to newborns after six months, breastfeeding should continue for two years or more, she said.

Breast milk contains proteins, fats, vitamins, sugars, minerals, hormones and growth factors that continually adapt to meet an infant's nutritional needs, she said.

Breastfed babies have fewer infections and hospitalization than formula-fed infants.

Ranjana further said that breastfeeding also benefits the mother's health, as it helps the womb return to its pre-pregnancy state and reduces the risk of breast and ovarian cancers, among other health benefits.

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