Regresar

Hunger, health, and society

Abstract:

Considerable knowledge is available on the nutritional advantages (14) and immunological protection provided by breast milk (5-9), the psychological benefits of breast-feeding (10-11), the relationship of breast-feeding and suckling practices to reproductive endocrinology and the social and health consequences for the family and the community of close birth intervals (12-15). Prolonged breast-feeding has been the only means of infant feeding until recently in poor socio-economic groups of developing countries, and it is still the most prevalent infant-feeding method in the world (16). Nevertheless, there is an obvious trend towards decreased breast-feeding throughout the underdeveloped countries of the world, especially in urbanizing areas. Socio-economic development, rapid urbanization, and participation of women in the work force have all been cited as possible causes for this trend. In addition, the promotion of infant foods and the absence of a firm stand in favour of breast-feeding by the health professionals may also be responsible for this trend (16).