I’m no fan of the Islamic Republic. But breastfeeding is one thing they do right.
Breastfeeding is healthy for kids and healthy for moms: kids typically experience fewer incidences of stomach viruses, ear infections, respiratory infections, and even things like childhood leukemia; moms experience fewer incidences of type 2 diabetes, certain breast cancers, and post partum depression. As a result, the American Academy of Pediatrics recommends “exclusive breastfeeding for approximately the first six months and support for breastfeeding for the first year and beyond as long as mutually desired by mother and child.”
In the US, however, the Center for Disease Control reports that while 74% of babies are breastfed at least once, by 3 months of age only 33% are being exclusively breastfed and by 12 months only 23% are being breastfed at all.
In Iran the numbers are markedly different: 98% of babies are breastfed at least once, 67% are still exclusively being breastfed at 3 months, and a whopping 90% of all babies are being breastfed at least some at 12 months. (Figures from La Leche League International 2003 and the International Breastfeeding Journal.)
These numbers in Iran can’t just be chalked up to necessity driving up the rates—i.e., that formula isn’t widely available. The IRI has adopted the World Health Organization’s International Code of Marketing of Breastmilk Substitutes, provides all women with a breastfeeding handbook during post-partum recovery, and most importantly, has trained thousands of health professionals to promote breastfeeding and offer counsel.
No doubt the ayat in the Qu’ran (from The Cow) which in part reads, “The mothers shall give suck to their children for two whole years…” has something to do with why the IRI supports breastfeeding as much as they do, but regardless of the reason, breastfeeding rates have increased dramatically in Iran over the past 30 years. And that’s a good thing.
