KATHMANDU, Aug. 4: Initiating breastfeeding within the first hour of birth and continuing it for up to two years can significantly improve the health of both mothers and children, the Nutrition Section under the Family Welfare Division (FWD) has said. Marking World Breastfeeding Week, the section has urged mothers to begin breastfeeding immediately after childbirth, calling it one of the simplest and most effective ways to give newborns a healthy start in life.
This year's World Breastfeeding Week is being observed under the theme, "Breastfeeding for a sustainable start in life: Strengthen what works."
According to the Nutrition Section, colostrum—the first milk produced within an hour of childbirth—is rich in nutrients and disease-fighting compounds. It contains immunoglobulins that help protect infants from infections, vitamins A, E and K that support eye, skin and immune health, as well as zinc, minerals and lactoferrin, a protein that combats harmful bacteria. Together, these nutrients promote gut health, improve nutrient absorption and strengthen the immune system. Breastfeeding also provides infants with a sense of security, supporting both physical and cognitive development while reducing the risk of malnutrition.
Prioritise Early Breastfeeding Support
The section recommends exclusive breastfeeding for the first six months, followed by the introduction of nutritious complementary foods while continuing breastfeeding until the child reaches two years of age.
Chief of the Nutrition Section at the FWD, Lila Bikram Thapa, said breastfeeding benefits mothers as much as their babies. According to him, breastfeeding immediately after childbirth reduces the risk of excessive postpartum bleeding, helps the uterus return to its normal size more quickly, and strengthens the emotional bond between mother and child.
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), initiating breastfeeding within one hour of birth can prevent up to 33 percent of newborn deaths.
The Nepal Multiple Indicator Cluster Survey 2025 shows that only 38.4 percent of mothers begin breastfeeding within one hour of childbirth, while 69.7 percent exclusively breastfeed their infants.
Similarly, the Nepal Demographic and Health Survey 2022 found that 25 percent of children in Nepal suffer from malnutrition. The survey also reported that 53 percent of mothers exclusively breastfeed, 55 percent initiate breastfeeding within one hour of birth, and 74 percent continue breastfeeding until their children reach two years of age. Karnali and Sudurpaschim provinces recorded the highest rate of exclusive breastfeeding at 74 percent, while Lumbini Province had the lowest rate at 36 percent.
The data also show that malnutrition contributes to 45 percent of deaths among children under the age of five, highlighting the crucial role of breastfeeding in improving child survival.
To address inadequate breastfeeding practices, the government has introduced the Breastfeeding Room Establishment and Operation Procedure, 2080 BS, prioritizing the establishment of breastfeeding rooms in government, public and private offices. More than 65 hospitals across the country have already set up such facilities.
The Nutrition Section said the government is also promoting breastfeeding through initiatives such as establishing human milk banks for infants unable to receive breast milk immediately after birth and deploying lactation consultants alongside maternity services.
