KATHMANDU: Once upon a time, even royal children in Nepal, Britain, Japan, and other monarchies were breastfed by nurses.
Healthy women were selected to nurse and nurture royal infants, ensuring their growth and well-being, while the queens often avoided breastfeeding, fearing it would affect their beauty or hasten aging.
Though times have changed, the stigma and gaps surrounding breastfeeding remain visible. Data shows that breastfeeding rates are declining in Nepal, particularly in urban and educated communities, where many mothers either fear physical changes or are too engaged in work.
According to the Nepal Demographic and Health Survey (NDHS) 2022, only 56 percent of mothers exclusively breastfeed their infants during the first six months, down from 66 percent in 2016. The government has set an ambitious target of 90 percent exclusive breastfeeding by 2030, in line with the Sustainable Development Goals, but experts warn that the current downward trend poses a major challenge.
Nutrition expert Aruna Upreti said exclusive breastfeeding can only be achieved if mothers receive adequate maternity leave and nutritional support. “Awareness alone is not enough. Mothers need at least six months of leave and proper nutrition to achieve these targets,” she said.
To support mothers unable to produce milk, Nepal has introduced milk banks, starting at Paropakar Maternity Hospital and BP Koirala Institute of Health Sciences in Dharan. These banks store breast milk for up to six months for infants in need.
The government is also expanding breastfeeding management units in hospitals. This year, eight hospitals will receive dedicated units, and 18 will have counselors to guide new mothers.
Legal frameworks also mandate breastfeeding rooms in workplaces with more than 25 female employees, but enforcement remains weak. Even the Press Council Nepal, which oversees the country’s media institutions, has yet to establish such a facility. Officials cite budget constraints but say plans are underway.
Health experts, including Lila Bahadur Thapa of the National Nutrition Section, point out that multiple factors drive the decline in breastfeeding: lack of awareness, aggressive promotion of formula milk, early marriage, preterm births, and delayed lactation. While 5–10 percent of mothers may be physically unable to breastfeed, the majority can do so if supported properly.
Breastfeeding Week, celebrated globally from August 1 to 7 under the theme “Prioritize Breastfeeding, Build a Sustainable Support System,” aims to raise awareness about the health benefits of exclusive breastfeeding for the first six months.
Breast milk is considered the infant’s first natural vaccine, rich in antibodies, essential nutrients, and immunity boosters. Exclusive breastfeeding not only protects babies from infections and reduces infant mortality but also benefits mothers’ mental and physical health.
Health officials reiterate that exclusive breastfeeding for six months, followed by continued breastfeeding with complementary feeding up to two years, is key to ensuring a healthier future generation.
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