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Breastfeeding

Improved Infant and Young Child Feeding Takes Root in Nigeria

The 2013 Demographic and Health Survey (NDHS) for Nigeria found that infant and young child feeding (IYCF) practices remain suboptimal in Nigeria. Among other findings, only 17.4% of children under six months old are exclusively breastfeed, and only 35.3% of mothers are continuing breastfeeding at two years. Child nutrition outcomes are often poor, with the rate of wasting among children under five years old at 18.0% and the rate of stunting at 36.8%.

Photos: SPRING/Kyrgyz Republic Celebrates BFHI Certification for Six Facilities in Jalalabad and Naryn Oblasts

USAID, Ministry of Health, and oblast government representatives attended the Baby-Friendly Hospital Initiative (BFHI) award ceremony for three facilities in Jalalabad on January 31, 2018. On the same day, MOH and oblast administration officials in Naryn awarded BFHI certificates to three facilities.

View the News Story here.

SPRING Disseminates Program Survey Results at Round Table Event

SPRING/Kyrgyz Republic, funded by USAID to address issues of chronic malnutrition and anemia among women and children of Kyrgyz Republic, hosted a round table event on Friday, November 17, 2017 to disseminate the findings from a series of four population-level surveys undertaken by the project over the past four years, including gains in nutrition outcome indicators.

Community Video (Guinea): Allaitement Maternel Exclusif

The doctor at a health center greets a new mother and explains to her that when a baby is born they should immediately be breastfed, and that they should only receive breastmilk until they are six months old. The grandmother of the child arrives and the doctor explains the same thing to her, emphasizing all of the good reasons for breastfeeding and assuring that the baby does not need any water or other drinks. The doctor then explains different positions for breastfeeding and helps the woman practice.

SPRING Celebrates World Breastfeeding Week 2017

The World Health Organization recommends that all babies are exclusively breastfed for the first six months of life. In low and middle income countries, breastfeeding is a particularly powerful means of preventing malnutrition and promoting optimal physical and cognitive growth. Still, women around the world continue to face obstacles that make this practice difficult--from perceived trouble producing milk to lack of supportive workplace environments.