Stop promoting infant formula, promote breastfeeding only

3 December 2025 01:58 pm Views - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}} 3 Bookmark

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Colombo, Dec. 3 (Daily Mirror) - The Health Ministry has urged mothers not to feed infants with powdered milk, bottled milk or any forms of supplementary food, despite the challenging conditions created by the recent adverse weather.

The Ministry said it has observed an increasing trend of promoting milk powder and other substitutes for infants affected by the turbulent situation.

Officials stressed that such practices can pose serious health risks, particularly during times when sanitation and access to clean water may be compromised.

They reiterated that it is highly imperative for infants to be exclusively breastfed during the first six months of life, noting that breast milk provides vital nutrition and immunity that substitutes cannot match.

The Ministry added that breastfeeding remains the safest and healthiest option for infants even during emergencies and called on all stakeholders including donors and relief groups to refrain from distributing or encouraging the use of infant formula unless medically justified.

Comments - 3

Vincent Kajjah Wednesday, 03 December 2025 02:24 PM

Great instruction! Also advise against shark doctors who devour patients' money and time at private hospitals.

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Kamalini Wednesday, 03 December 2025 02:38 PM

Breast milk is the best. The immunity against illnesses of babies having breast milk can go onto their adult life. Mentally and physically they become strong. Mothers should breast feed for a minimum of six months.

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Sheena Wednesday, 03 December 2025 06:58 PM

Good advice but each mother and baby is different. Some mothers do not produce enough milk to feed growing babies. Babies who are already in the weaning stages need more than breast milk to keep them full. Breast milk digests faster making it difficult for mothers to keep babies full for a longer time without formula or other baby food. Let mothers decide what is best for their health and baby. Perhaps advice them to use bottled water as a tentative solution.

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