Infant feeding, poverty and human development

Annette Beasley1, Lisa H Amir

  • 1School of Social and Cultural Studies, Victoria University of Wellington, New Zealand,. Annette.Beasley@vuw.ac.nz.

Insights

Poverty threatens infant health and breastfeeding, despite common belief. Promoting breastfeeding and addressing gender inequities are crucial for child survival and development.

Area of Science:

  • Public Health
  • Human Development
  • Pediatrics

Background:

  • Poverty poses significant threats to infant health and breastfeeding practices globally.
  • Aggressive infant formula marketing and inadequate support for working mothers undermine breastfeeding.
  • Global disparities in infant health are linked to gender inequities, including education and nutrition access for girls.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To examine the complex relationship between poverty and human development, focusing on infant health.
  • To highlight the protective role of breastfeeding against child mortality.
  • To advocate for policies supporting breastfeeding and women's health.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review and analysis of existing data on poverty, breastfeeding, and child mortality.
  • Examination of the impact of infant formula marketing and workplace policies on breastfeeding.
  • Assessment of the role of gender equity in child development outcomes.

Main Results:

  • Exclusive breastfeeding for 12 months could prevent 13% of deaths in children under five.
  • Poverty directly and indirectly hinders breastfeeding, contrary to popular belief.
  • Addressing gender inequities and improving maternal health are vital for child development.

Conclusions:

  • Urgent action is needed to implement the International Code of Breastmilk Substitutes and protect breastfeeding rights.
  • Investing in women's education, nutrition, and health is essential for reducing global infant health disparities.
  • Promoting breastfeeding is a key strategy for improving child survival and human development.

Related Concept Videos

Development of Human Microbiota01:30

Development of Human Microbiota

The human microbiota begins developing at birth and undergoes continual change as we age. Infancy marks a critical period of microbial sensitivity, offering a “window of opportunity” during which beneficial microbes help mature the immune system. By age three, children typically develop a more stable and diverse microbial community. Newborns acquire microbes from their immediate environment; vaginal delivery favors maternal vaginal microbes, while cesarean births favor microbes from the skin...
Development of the Oral Microbiota01:28

Development of the Oral Microbiota

The establishment of the oral microbiome begins before birth, challenging the long-held belief that the fetal oral cavity is sterile. The presence of oral microbes such as Streptococcus and Fusobacterium in amniotic fluid suggests that microbial exposure may occur in utero, potentially through translocation from the maternal oral or gastrointestinal tract. This early colonization primes the neonatal immune system and sets the stage for subsequent microbial succession. Maternal health,...
Methods Of Healthcare Delivery System01:26

Methods Of Healthcare Delivery System

At the different levels of the healthcare system, we see varying methods of healthcare used. These methods include managed care systems, case management, and primary healthcare.
Managed Care System:
The managed care system is designed to control the cost while maintaining the quality of care. The patient's care from admission to discharge is planned by the primary care provider or the case manager, also known as the gatekeeper. In a managed care system, the number of care providers is limited...
Three Developmental Domains01:29

Three Developmental Domains

Human development is typically examined across three main domains: physical, cognitive, and socio-emotional. These domains represent the significant areas of change and continuity throughout the lifespan, from infancy to late adulthood.
Physical Development
Physical processes, also known as maturation, encompass the biological changes that occur across an individual's life. These changes begin with genetic inheritance and continue through various stages, including growth in height and weight,...
Sustainable Development01:43

Sustainable Development

As the human population continues to grow and use resources, we must be mindful of our planet’s natural limits. Sustainable development provides a pathway to maintain and improve human life now while also ensuring that future generations will have the resources that they need. The long-term success of sustainability efforts rests on understanding the interplay between human actions and ecological systems.
Introduction to Developmental Psychology01:27

Introduction to Developmental Psychology

Developmental psychology explores the changes and continuities in human abilities throughout life, encompassing physical, cognitive, linguistic, and social dimensions. Human development is not restricted to growth, but includes aspects of decline, particularly in physical abilities as individuals age. Developmental psychologists seek to understand how people change as they age and how their mental and social skills evolve.Developmental MilestonesA key concept in developmental psychology is...