Breast-feeding trends, patterns and policies in Thailand
Knodel, J.; Chayovan, N.; Wongboonsin, K.
Asia-Pacific Population Journal 5(1): 135-150
1990
ISSN/ISBN: 0259-238X PMID: 12283343 Document Number: 371773
The decline in the duration of breast feeding (BF) in Thailand evident during the 1970s has largely come to a standstill in the 1980s. In addition, the proportion initiating BF was high throughout the period, and has recently increased to the point where, at a national level, it is now close to universal. These changes in BF trends coincide with a variety of efforts, primarily undertaken or coordinated by the Ministry of Public Health, to promote BF and discourage the use of breast milk substitutes. While substantial socioeconomic differentials still exist with respect to the duration of BF, initiation is common even among the groups that breastfeed their babies for the shortest period of time. Breast fed children are commonly given supplemental food or liquids at very early ages. Thus, the duration of full BF is for shorter than of overall BF. Attempts to promote BF by the Ministry of Public Health began in 1979. Several seminars were held with administrators and health professionals. Guidelines were established to implement a program promoting BF. BF promotion was incorporated into the Fifth National Economic and Social Development Plan (for 1982-86) as well as the Sixth Plan (for 1987-91). Month-long promotion programs were started by the Division of Nutrition at the Ministry of Public Health in 1982. These programs were aimed at district, village, and provincial levels and use of the media (newspapers, television, magazines, and public address systems). Posters and leaflets are circulated in the Government health care system. BF is encouraged during the 1st year of life. Steps are being taken to control the marketing of breast milk substitutes. The infant formula industry prohibited mass media promotion of BF. Other promotional techniques were substituted for this. Seminars for health professionals on the promotion of BF in maternity wards began in 1986. Policies and practices in maternity wards are changing as a result. 51% of births in Thailand born in the 5 years before 1987 were delivered in hospitals; 11% in health stations, and most of the remainder at home. Children delivered in hospitals are breastfed those delivered at home.