DR1 Daily News - Dominican Republic

Breastfeeding is hard work, but its rewards are immense. But, as recent surveys show, it is not part of women’s child care culture in the Dominican Republic. Unicef, on occasion of the celebration of the World Breastfeeding Week from 1 to 7 August, highlights that only 1 of 10 mothers breastfeed their babies in the Dominican Republic.

Unicef urges more protection from commercial influence. The reality is that companies freely distribute formula samples to new mothers, breaking the impetus for breastfeeding that needs to start at birth in the hospital. Nurse availability or volunteers to teach breastfeeding to new mothers appears is much needed to instate breastfeeding from the start. More support from obstetricians and pediatricians is also needed.

According to Unicef, the Dominican Republic has one of the lowest exclusive breastfeeding rates in Latin America. Only 16% of...