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.

Some mothers who would like to continue breastfeeding are forced to stop so that they can return to work. Workplace Lactation Support programs are an effective way to address this problem.

Breastfeeding and mothers’ milk is presently not counted in food systems or the economy but should be. The Mothers’ Milk Tool will help.

Alive & Thrive's implementation research spans its program areas, seeking to answer "how" to implement effective interventions and policies. Active studies are detailed in the attached documents.

Click below to read past editions of the MIYCAN Update is Alive & Thrive's quarterly global newsletter.

December 2022