Women's significant contributions to food production and security, especially through breastfeeding, often go unnoticed, perpetuating inequitable and unsustainable global food systems.

Evidence is mounting that the ultra-processed food industry seeks to influence food and nutrition policies in ways that support market growth and protect against regulatory threats, often at the expense of public health.

Despite proven benefits, less than half of infants and young children globally are breastfed in accordance with the recommendations of WHO.

This Series paper examines how mother and baby attributes at the individual level interact with breastfeeding determinants at other levels, how these interactions drive breastfeeding outcomes, and what policies and interventions are necessary to achieve optimal breastfeeding. 

Despite increasing evidence about the value and importance of breastfeeding, less than half of the world's infants and young children (aged 0–36 months) are breastfed as recommended. This Series paper examines the social, political, and economic reasons for this problem.