Have you ever wondered which are the 11 countries with the highest breastfeeding rates? Well, it’s not exactly going to be a surprise that they’re in areas where people are less exposed to mixed messages or manipulative advertising.
Let’s start at the beginning. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), it is best for babies if they are breastfed exclusively up to 6 months before introducing solid foods and then breastfed partially up to at least two years of age.
WHO has been trying for many years to battle misconceptions regarding breastmilk, trying to explain to new mothers that their milk is the best for their children’s needs and that, as long as a child is offered milk, the mother’s supply will not lessen. It’s just like the economic theory of supply and demand.
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WHO’s recommendations have been taken to heart, but breastfeeding rates in the developed world are surprisingly low. As breastfeeding rates drop, legislators are taking action. The European Union, for instance, has instated various restrictions on infant formula marketing. Alas, it wasn’t of much help as the numbers in Europe are not exactly deserving of praise. The United States isn’t much better off, with 19% of babies breastfed exclusively for the first six months of life.
In a world where we’re always on the run and you constantly see advertisements for baby formula, bottles, and so on, it’s no wonder many women choose this method for feeding their young ones. While the choice lies with each mother, formula and its ingredients are questioned by many experts — but unfortunately, once the milk supply has run low, there’s no going back.
Most of these countries aren’t exactly the most developed nations of the world, and in some there are severe health issues related to the lack of doctors and healthcare in general and public health issues like clean water supplies. Luckily, though, you’ll only find one of them on the list of the 10 unhealthiest countries in the world.
We’ve taken a look at the charts published by the World Health Organization and created a chart with the 11 countries with the highest breastfeeding rates.
11. Kiribati – 69%
You’ve probably never even heard of small Pacific island nation Kiribati. Well, infants in this archipelago are massively breastfed exclusively until the 6 month mark. Some 69% of kids enjoy nursing until this age, shows data from the World Health Organization.
Kiribati’s population barely passes the 100,000 mark, and there’s a life expectancy at birth of 60 years.
10. Eritrea – 69%
In Africa, we find Eritrea, a country of about 6 million citizens. It may not be a large nation, but it doesn’t exactly cover a lot of land either. Mothers here have decided that breastfeeding is the best idea for their children up to at least 6 months of age, which is why there’s a 69% rate, according to WHO.
9. Burundi – 69%
Situated in East Africa, in the African Great Lakes, the Republic of Burundi prides itself in raising healthy children. The country’s breastfeeding rates stand at 69% for this nation as well, a considerable jump from the 44% it had in 2005. Considering there are some 10 million citizens in this nation, the numbers look promising.
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8. North Korea – 69%
Although data from North Korea should always be questioned, the World Health Organization puts the breastfeeding rate of infants until 6 months at 69%. The country has about 25 million residents and thankfully, unlike in the past, famine is no longer as severe a threat to the population, especially the children.
7. Nepal – 70%
The country that sits in the Himalayas bordering China has a pretty high breastfeeding rate. According to data from WHO, 70% of the mothers in this country decided that nursing their little bundles of joy is the best idea at least until they’re 6 months of age. There are about 26 million people living in Nepal.
6. Malawi – 71%
Malawi is found in the southeast area of Africa, bordering Zambia, Tanzania and Mozambique, with an estimated population of 16 million. 71% of infants under 6 months are breastfed exclusively until it’s time for the introduction of solid foods.
5. Peru – 72%
The Republic of Peru has over 30 million citizens according to the most recent census. Situated in western South America, Peru is a wonderful nation to visit, full of history and wonder. Another important thing to notice here is that 72% of children are breastfed exclusively, which is why Peru has found its place on this list of countries with the highest breastfeeding rates.
4. Solomon Islands – 74%
When it comes to breastfeeding their young ones, mothers in the Solomon Islands, near Kiribati in the Pacific, say a very loud ‘yes’. About half a million people live on these islands, reveals a recent census. WHO data indicates that 74% of newborns are nursed exclusively according to medical recommendations.
3. Cambodia – 74%
Located in Southeast Asia, Cambodia is home to 15 million people. While it may not be the most luxurious country, it is one that is extremely beautiful and full of history, with impressive temples that will take your breath away. According to WHO data, nearly three quarters of all newborns only receive their mothers’ milk until 6 months.
2. Sri Lanka – 76%
Sri Lanka is an island country that’s situated quite close to India. There are about 20 million citizens living in this wonderful nation and its children are among the luckiest in the world. Data indicates that 76% of infants are nursed exclusively here.
1. Rwanda – 85%
It’s not always the happiest news that comes from this corner of the world, but this time it is. Rwanda, located in east central Africa, has an impressive rate of 85% of its babies being breastfed exclusively for the first six months of their lives.
According to studies, mothers’ milk is the best for infants, providing them with all the nutrients they need, antibodies and other important things babies need. Furthermore, breastfeeding is known to assure the child of its own safety and to help create a tight bond between mother and child. If your nation isn’t on the list of the 11 countries with highest breastfeeding rates, then that’s a shame. Hopefully, things will improve over the years and the numbers will go up again.
