Breastfeeding in China: A Review of Changes in the Past Decade

Abstract

This review summarizes breastfeeding rates in China reported during the decade 2007–2018, a decade on from our previous review published in 2007. Compared with the studies undertaken before 2007 in China, recent studies are more likely to report breastfeeding rates using longer periods of observation, enabling rates to be summarized to six and 12 months postpartum in this review. There appears to have been a modest increase in breastfeeding in China. The mean duration of “any breastfeeding” was 10 months (9 to 11 months in the majority of cities), an increase compared with the previous review in which the mean of “any breastfeeding” duration was 8 months (7 to 9 months in the majority of cities). Using data from cohort studies, the proportion of infants being breastfed at 4 months increased from 78% in the earlier decade to 83% more recently. A second baby is usually breastfed for longer than the first, considering both “any” and “exclusive breastfeeding”. China is a huge country and there is considerable diversity in culture, level of economic development, education and breastfeeding rates in different areas of China, but our review suggests that there has been some improvement in the “any breastfeeding” rate in the most recent decade.

Prevalence of Complementary Feeding Indicators and Associated Factors Among 6- to 23-Month Breastfed Infants and Young Children in Poor Rural Areas of China

“…Non-dairy animal source food (NDASF) represents the percentage of 6-23-month IYC who consumed eggs and/or flesh foods during the previous day (2). In our study, breastfeeding was equal to "any breastfeeding, " that is, the IYC received breastmilk with or without other drinks, including formula, or other infant food (14). Fever and diarrhea were defined as self-reported by parents of IYC.…”

Breastfeeding practice in China from 2013 to 2018: a study from a national dynamic follow-up surveillance

“…Current status of breastfeeding practices in China, especially in different parts of China, and how those practices have changed over time are of great interest. A recent review, which updates the changes of breastfeeding in China in the past decade, indicates the improvement of "any breastfeeding" prevalence, while the EBF prevalence is still low [17]. In addition, it acknowledges large gaps existed among studies conducted in different areas.…”

“…In addition, it acknowledges large gaps existed among studies conducted in different areas. Many factors contribute to these gaps, such as study methods, study populations, educational and economic background, residential area [17]. Therefore, long time series studies which covering different areas are needed to give an accurate evaluation on the progress in breastfeeding practice in China.…”

Patterns and Determinants of Essential and Toxic Elements in Chinese Women at Mid-Pregnancy, Late Pregnancy, and Lactation

“…Iodine is one of “priority” nutrients for lactating women, because maternal iodine status likely affects its amount secreted in the breast milk, subsequently affecting infants’ health [ 2 ]. The health effect of maternal iodine status on offspring warranted further study, particularly given that about 80% of infants were breastfed at 4 months with an average duration of 10 months in China [ 35 ].…”