Economic Loss of Non-Breastfeeding and Social Responsibility to Breastfeeding Promotion

Abstract

Breastfeeding is considered to be importantly fundamental to the national economic development. It is inextricably woven into not only strengthening a close bond between a mother and an infant but also developing a deep emotional intimacy between them. [Exclusive] breastfeeding is profoundly beneficial for both the infant and the mother to improve both the maternal bond and infant intelligence as well as their physical and mental heaths.But if the importance of the maternal breastmilk is not emphasized or devalued, this will possibly result in economic loss as follows: (1) opportunity loss of infant intelligence development, (2) medical expenses, (3) work efficiency of a mother caring for her neonate (or newborn infant), (4) an increase in family’s expenditure on infant formulas, and (5) the effects of trade balance and cash outflow issues. To prevent economic loss possibly caused by non-breastfeeding, thus  all parties involved should take social responsibilities for promoting [exclusive] breastfeeding, namely: (1) cooperation between public agencies and all relevant sectors, (2) formulation of welfare policy and benefit entitlement for breastfeeding mothers, (3) enactment of laws to restrict the marketing of infant formula productions, (4) application of Integrated Marketing Communication to breastfeeding promotion, (5) creation of breastfeeding culture, and (6) cooperation from peers and family members to promote breastfeeding mothers. These will encourage mothers, peers, family members, public sectors, and other organizations to become aware of the importance of [exclusive] breastfeeding and collaborate on the breastfeeding promotion, which might lead to being part of sustainable economic development.