The Department of Health's effort in promoting breast milk has produced fruitful results as surveys show a rising trend in the prevalence and duration of breastfeeding in Hong Kong.

The department's Senior Medical & Health Officer Dr Lo Yim-chong said the exclusive breastfeeding rate - the percentage of mothers who give their newborns breast milk only - rose to 12% in 2004 from 6% in 1997.

The rate of mothers who have ever breastfed also climbed, from 50% in 1997 to 69% in 2004. However, Dr Lo pointed out there is still room for an increase, considering the higher rates reported in some countries.

Noting breast milk is the best natural food for babies, Dr Lo said the immediate and long-term health benefits of breastfeeding for babies and their mothers are well-recognised.

Better health

Breastfed babies suffer fewer incidences of diarrhoea, respiratory and middle-ear infections, and are less likely to develop allergies and childhood obesity. Breastfeeding also promotes emotional bonding between mother and child, helps mothers recover more quickly after delivery and reduce the risks of breast cancer, ovarian cancer and osteoporosis.

She appealed to all sectors of the community for continued and concerted efforts so mothers can be given sufficient information, encouragement and support to initiate and maintain breastfeeding for longer periods for better health of children here.

Simple rules 

Turning to this year's World Breastfeeding Week, to be held from August 1 with the theme Code Watch - 25 Years of Protecting Breastfeeding, Dr Lo said the International Code of Marketing of Breast milk Substitutes set out simple, basic rules to regulate harmful marketing practices. The code's implementation is key to infants' and young children's' health.

The code was incorporated in the department's breastfeeding policy six years ago, together with relevant resolutions of the World Health Assembly, as well as the 10 Steps to Successful Breastfeeding. Click here for more details.