Overview of exclusive breastfeeding in Mexico: reality and challenges

Abstract

Introduction. Exclusive breastfeeding (EBF) is considered the best form of nourishment during the first six months of life due to its benefits for both human and planetary health, playing a key role in achieving sustainable development. Objective. Develop an overview of EBF in Mexico and the involvement of nutrition professionals in its promotion. Methods. A literature review was conducted, with data collection and analysis carried out by nine public and private institutions. The review covered aspects such as prevalence, barriers, policies, and the importance of EBF, as well as the role of nutrition professionals in its promotion. Results. In Mexico, only one-third of infants receive EBF. There are issues with updating and standardizing information on the topic across all sectors. Currently, the presence of nutrition professionals in healthcare settings to provide guidance on EBF is scarce or almost non-existent. There is also a lack of mechanisms to monitor compliance with public policies related to the promotion of EBF. A low level of knowledge about the benefits, techniques, physiological, and biochemical bases of EBF has been observed among both health professionals and the general population. Additionally, there is a lack of standardized language among health professionals, particularly in nutrition, to promote EBF effectively. Conclusion. The prevalence of breastfeeding in Mexico is still far from reaching the goals proposed by the World Health Organization. Among other things, it is necessary to strengthen public policies that allow mothers to freely practice breastfeeding, as well as to train healthcare professionals and promote a more active approach by Mexican nutritionists.