Breastfeeding rates in Thailand increase

BANGKOK, August 10 (TNA) - Thailand has experienced increasing breastfeeding rates, as more offices' mothers have now breastfed their newborns, but those in labour forces have opted to let their grandparents raise their children. Medical Doctor Yupayong Hangchaowanit, Secretary General of the Thai Breastfeeding Centre, told reporters that there have been increasing rates of breastfeeding in the country since the implementation of “Sai Yai Rak” Project of Her Royal Highness Princess Srirasmi, the Princess Consort of His Royal Highness Crown Prince Maha Vajiralongkorn. Dr. Yupayong conceded, however, that breastfeeding among local women in the labour forces have remained unpopular even though breastfeeding corners have been set up at some 700 factories throughout the country. Studies on breastfeeding, meanwhile, showed that continued breastfeeding for newborns up to two years old would contribute to healthy growth and development among children, or even two to three times better than cow’s milk, as toddlers get less diarrhea and allergies. According to the doctor, breast milk is the ideal nourishment for infants, as it contains all nutrients and the protein in human milk has a better balance of essential amino acids than the protein in cow's milk, which is, thus, more suitable for baby’s digestion. The doctor recommended continued breastfeeding for infants up to six months each and a provision of complementary food until two years old each to establish special bonds between mothers and their babies.(TNA)