The missing link in India’s maternal health story: despite progress, exclusive breastfeeding declines sharply (NFHS-6)

A Spotlight piece argues that exclusive breastfeeding (EBF) is weakening despite improvements in institutional deliveries and several maternal-and-child health initiatives.

EBF—feeding infants only breast milk for the first six months—is among the most effective interventions to protect infants through antibodies that reduce common illnesses such as diarrhoea and respiratory infections, support healthy growth and brain development, and lower risks of malnutrition and infant mortality.

The article cites WHO and UNICEF guidance to begin breastfeeding within one hour of birth and continue exclusively for the first six months.