One of the most controversial issues in maternal and child health in South Africa is the promotion of formula feeding over breastfeeding by some doctors. This practice goes against the World Health Organization’s recommendation that infants should be exclusively breastfed for the first six months of life and then continue to receive breast milk along with complementary foods until at least two years of age. Breastfeeding has many benefits for both mothers and babies, such as reducing the risk of infections, allergies, obesity, diabetes, and cancer. Formula feeding, on the other hand, can expose infants to contaminated water, inadequate nutrition, and increased costs.
So why are some South African doctors encouraging mothers to use formula instead of breast milk? There are several possible reasons for this phenomenon. One is the influence of the formula industry, which has a strong marketing presence in the country and may offer incentives or gifts to health workers who promote their products. Another is the lack of support and education for breastfeeding mothers, who may face challenges such as pain, stigma, discrimination, or a lack of time and space to breastfeed. Third, although antiretroviral therapy has been shown to effectively prevent the risk, some doctors and mothers still harbor the fear that HIV can be transmitted through breast milk.
These factors have contributed to a low rate of exclusive breastfeeding in South Africa, which was estimated at 32% in 2016. This falls well short of the global average of 43% and the World Health Assembly’s goal of 50% by 2025. Some doctors are pushing formula feeding, which is not only bad for moms’ and babies’ health and well-being but also a violation of their right to optimal care and information. To safeguard, encourage, and support breastfeeding in South Africa and to hold those who obstruct this practice accountable, there is an immediate need for increased awareness, advocacy, and action.
Stay tuned for more interesting articles about breastfeeding.
Comment below about your breastfeeding experience or why you decided to switch to formula feeding or mixed feeding.
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