Decreasing Breastfeeding trends in Mexico: 1999–2012

Abstract

Breastfeeding (BF) saves lives, especially when exclusive during the first 6 mo of life (EBF<6m). Governments must protect infants so that they can reach their potential health & survival. Mexican representative 1999, 2006 and 2012 National Health & Nutrition Surveys (NNS99, NHNS06, NHNS2012 respectively) data were used. BF indicators were collected according to WHO‐2008 recommendations. Statistical tests and results are presented adjusted for sample design. Participants were 12–49 y mothers of children <2y; n=3,191 for NNS99, n=2,953 for NHNS06 & n=4,097 for NHNS12. Three‐mo mobile means were used to estimate median duration (MD). Data were analyzed and presented by urban/rural and socioeconomic level (SEL). BF MD has remained stable throughout the last 13 y (9.7, 10.4 & 10.2 mo for successive surveys) but EBF<6m has declined sharply form 20.0% in NNS99 & 23.3% in NHNS2006 to 14.4% in NHNS12, decline explained by increases in early formula and water consumption. EBF<6mo decrease was sharpest in the most vulnerable population; e.g. in rural area EBF<6mo went form 32.7 & 36.9% in the first two surveys, to 18.5% in NHNS12 (p<0.05 between last 2 surveys, declines similar in lowest SEL). Though formula industry has pledged endorsement of the International Marketing Code, it is not a law in Mexico and decreasing EBF<6mo BF rates reflect the lack of effective widespread BF support. Policy to improve rates that halt the sharp EBF<6mo decline must include all BF intervening partners, including government, industry, academia and society at large, following the WHO proposed strategy to improve infant feeding. Mexico has accomplished uncontestable recent improvements in undernutrition, so that similar nation‐wide efforts with coordination & leadership are well within its capabilities. Funding for the National Health and Nutrition Survey was obtained from the Mexican Secretariat of Health