The decline in exclusive breastfeeding rates during the first six months of life, along with reduced continuation of breastfeeding up to two years of age, has emerged as a growing concern in infant health. The President of the Breastfeeding Promotion Association emphasized that breast milk is a baby’s “first natural vaccine” and identified the widespread distribution of infant formula as one of the factors undermining breastfeeding culture. He called for revisions to formula distribution policies and the deployment of specialized lactation consultants in hospitals and healthcare centers.
According to the Public Relations Office of the Iranian Pediatric Association, Dr. Seyed Abolfazl Afjei, President of the Breastfeeding Promotion Association, expressed concern over the downward trend in breastfeeding indicators and stressed the need to restore the true status of breast milk as the best choice for infant health.
Referring to the decline in exclusive breastfeeding during the first six months of life and the reduced continuation of breastfeeding through the end of the second year, he stated: “Breastfeeding is the first natural vaccine for infants. Numerous studies have shown that children who are breastfed are more resistant to infectious diseases and experience healthier growth and development. Scientific evidence also links breastfeeding with a reduced risk of certain conditions, including asthma, diabetes, and kidney disorders.”
Criticism of Infant Formula Distribution Policies
The President of the Breastfeeding Promotion Association criticized the current approach to formula distribution, stating: “Providing infant formula to all children up to the age of two through the national identification system not only fails to promote a breastfeeding culture but also effectively encourages excessive use. Formula has a specific role and should be used only for infants with certain medical conditions or for mothers who are unable to produce sufficient milk due to medical reasons, and always under medical prescription and supervision. Under current circumstances, however, it has become a competitor to nature.”
Economic Burden on Families
Dr. Afjei also highlighted the economic consequences of this approach, saying: “The high costs of infant formula, feeding bottles, and related equipment place a significant financial burden on household budgets. It would be more rational to support breastfeeding mothers nutritionally rather than allocating resources to formula. These funds could instead be used to provide nutritious foods such as meat, poultry, fish, milk, and fruits for mothers, thereby safeguarding the health of both mother and child.”
The Missing Role of Lactation Consultants
He identified inadequate support and specialized education as one of the reasons behind declining breastfeeding rates and noted: “Some mothers turn to formula prematurely because of the challenges associated with initiating breastfeeding or due to misconceptions. At the same time, some physicians, because of time constraints, are unable to provide sufficient education and follow-up. We propose the placement of lactation consultants in all hospitals and healthcare centers. However, despite the training of qualified specialists, many of these consultants remain unemployed because there are no clearly defined positions for them in either the public or private sectors.”
In conclusion, the President of the Breastfeeding Promotion Association called on the Ministry of Health to revise formula distribution regulations, implement targeted monitoring of formula use, and employ specialized lactation consultants in healthcare and treatment centers. He emphasized that supporting breastfeeding should be recognized as a national priority to safeguard the health of future generations.