Rates of Breastfeeding in the Asia-Pacific Region

摘要

Compare with breastfeeding style among Asia-Pacific region countries and explore future direction ofpolicies regarding healthy and proper breastfeeding practice.Asia-Pacific region is composed of countries from the World Health Organisation regions of WesternPacific and East Asia, headquartered in Manila and New Delhi. Although breastfeeding brings many publichealth benefits, there are many differences in breastfeeding outcomes across the region. Each country'sbreastfeeding styles are different and this may be due to their lifestyle and culture. Factors that influencebreastfeeding outcomes include birthweight, caesarean section delivery, smoking by parents and early return towork. With better targeted interventions and further education of health professionals and parents it is possible toimprove breastfeeding outcomes. Breastfeeding should be promoted widely to improve health across Asia. Inthis paper, we will discuss breastfeeding outcomes in country's countries of the region and explore futuredirection of policies regarding healthy and proper breastfeeding practice.