The new Lancet Breastfeeding Series is the largest and most comprehensive analysis to quantify levels, trends, and benefits of breastfeeding around the world.

Recent scientific evidence has shown that breastfeeding is critical to a child’s health and development. Yet, in 2012, the global rate of exclusive breastfeeding (consuming nothing but breastmilk) in the first 6 months of life was only 37%.

The new Lancet Breastfeeding Series is the largest and most comprehensive analysis to quantify levels, trends, and benefits of breastfeeding around the world.

The Lancet Breastfeeding Series is the largest and most comprehensive analysis to quantify levels, trends, and benefits of breastfeeding around the world.

The Lancet Breastfeeding Series, the largest and most comprehensive analysis to quantify levels, trends, and benefits of breastfeeding around the world.

This brief describes how optimal breastfeeding improves infant health and survival and shares examples of interventions from Bangladesh and Sri Lanka. This report also outlines six essential actions for health policy makers and programs.