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(Bandar Seri Begawan, 31st) — In conjunction with World Breastfeeding Week 2025, Brunei's Minister of Health, Dato Isham, stated that this year's theme is 'Prioritize Breastfeeding: Building a Sustainable Support System.'
World Breastfeeding Week (PSI) is celebrated annually from August 1st to 7th, aiming to raise awareness of the benefits of PSI and promote an environment that supports and sustains PSI practices. This year's celebration theme is 'Prioritize Breastfeeding: Building a Sustainable Support System.'
He stated that breastfeeding is an important foundation for the health of mothers and infants. Breast milk is a unique and complete nutritional source because it contains all the nutrients required for the optimal growth and development of infants. Additionally, breast milk contains antibodies that can protect infants from various infections and diseases, including lung and ear infections, reduce diarrhea, and prevent tooth decay.
'Breastfeeding also has long-term health benefits for both mothers and infants, including reducing the risk of non-communicable diseases such as diabetes, heart disease, and certain cancers. It can also prevent obesity in adulthood.'
'The World Health Organization (WHO) recommends initiating breastfeeding within one hour of birth. Mothers are advised to practice exclusive breastfeeding for the first six months after birth, with no other food or drink besides breast milk (whether fed directly or expressed), except for oral rehydration salt (ORS), drops or syrups, three types of vitamins, minerals, and necessary medications.'
'After six months of age, it is recommended to introduce complementary foods and continue breastfeeding until the infant is two years old.'
In Brunei, results from routine data collection in 2024 showed that the exclusive breastfeeding rate is 37%, well below the WHO-set target of at least 50%. This figure is a decline compared to previous years, with the highest recorded rate of around 47% in 2019. This decline is concerning because the WHO and the Ministry of Health have identified breastfeeding as one of the main interventions to prevent and address the country's obesity problem, as Brunei Darussalam has the highest obesity rate in Southeast Asia.
'Breastfeeding is not easy. Results from a survey conducted this year show that mothers in Brunei Darussalam face various challenges in practicing good breastfeeding. The main reason mothers introduce formula before their babies reach six months is perceived insufficient milk supply; 46% of mothers surveyed encountered this issue. Other reported reasons include breastfeeding issues such as breast engorgement, soreness or pain, lack of workplace support, as well as support from partners and family members.
Studies have shown that the issue of perceived insufficient milk supply experienced by most mothers before their babies reach six months is actually due to a mistaken belief, even though their bodies are still capable of producing enough milk to meet their babies' needs. This is because breast milk is produced through a 'supply and demand' relationship regulated by the hormones prolactin and oxytocin, which stimulate the brain to produce adequate milk. The more frequently the baby sucks from the mother, the greater the milk production. Mothers need to ensure that breastfeeding positions are correct and comfortable, and that the baby latches onto the breast correctly. If mothers encounter any issues related to postpartum (PSI), we encourage them to seek advice and assistance through available maternal and child health services.'
'In this respect, to ensure proper postnatal care practices and sufficient milk supply to meet their babies' needs, mothers need strong support from husbands, family members, and the entire community, especially in the workplace, through colleague support and the provision of suitable postpartum facilities, such as dedicated rooms, refrigerators, and so on.'
He stated that the Ministry of Health will continue to support mothers by providing health services, such as conducting postnatal care courses for pregnant women and offering consultations and practical assistance to mothers in need postpartum.
'At the same time, efforts will be made to strengthen health services and implement various initiatives to raise public awareness and collaborate with institutions and stakeholders to foster a sustainable environment that supports postnatal care practices.'
World Breastfeeding Week (PSI) is celebrated annually from August 1st to 7th, aiming to raise awareness of the benefits of PSI and promote an environment that supports and sustains PSI practices. This year's celebration theme is 'Prioritize Breastfeeding: Building a Sustainable Support System.'
He stated that breastfeeding is an important foundation for the health of mothers and infants. Breast milk is a unique and complete nutritional source because it contains all the nutrients required for the optimal growth and development of infants. Additionally, breast milk contains antibodies that can protect infants from various infections and diseases, including lung and ear infections, reduce diarrhea, and prevent tooth decay.
'Breastfeeding also has long-term health benefits for both mothers and infants, including reducing the risk of non-communicable diseases such as diabetes, heart disease, and certain cancers. It can also prevent obesity in adulthood.'
'The World Health Organization (WHO) recommends initiating breastfeeding within one hour of birth. Mothers are advised to practice exclusive breastfeeding for the first six months after birth, with no other food or drink besides breast milk (whether fed directly or expressed), except for oral rehydration salt (ORS), drops or syrups, three types of vitamins, minerals, and necessary medications.'
'After six months of age, it is recommended to introduce complementary foods and continue breastfeeding until the infant is two years old.'
In Brunei, results from routine data collection in 2024 showed that the exclusive breastfeeding rate is 37%, well below the WHO-set target of at least 50%. This figure is a decline compared to previous years, with the highest recorded rate of around 47% in 2019. This decline is concerning because the WHO and the Ministry of Health have identified breastfeeding as one of the main interventions to prevent and address the country's obesity problem, as Brunei Darussalam has the highest obesity rate in Southeast Asia.
'Breastfeeding is not easy. Results from a survey conducted this year show that mothers in Brunei Darussalam face various challenges in practicing good breastfeeding. The main reason mothers introduce formula before their babies reach six months is perceived insufficient milk supply; 46% of mothers surveyed encountered this issue. Other reported reasons include breastfeeding issues such as breast engorgement, soreness or pain, lack of workplace support, as well as support from partners and family members.
Studies have shown that the issue of perceived insufficient milk supply experienced by most mothers before their babies reach six months is actually due to a mistaken belief, even though their bodies are still capable of producing enough milk to meet their babies' needs. This is because breast milk is produced through a 'supply and demand' relationship regulated by the hormones prolactin and oxytocin, which stimulate the brain to produce adequate milk. The more frequently the baby sucks from the mother, the greater the milk production. Mothers need to ensure that breastfeeding positions are correct and comfortable, and that the baby latches onto the breast correctly. If mothers encounter any issues related to postpartum (PSI), we encourage them to seek advice and assistance through available maternal and child health services.'
'In this respect, to ensure proper postnatal care practices and sufficient milk supply to meet their babies' needs, mothers need strong support from husbands, family members, and the entire community, especially in the workplace, through colleague support and the provision of suitable postpartum facilities, such as dedicated rooms, refrigerators, and so on.'
He stated that the Ministry of Health will continue to support mothers by providing health services, such as conducting postnatal care courses for pregnant women and offering consultations and practical assistance to mothers in need postpartum.
'At the same time, efforts will be made to strengthen health services and implement various initiatives to raise public awareness and collaborate with institutions and stakeholders to foster a sustainable environment that supports postnatal care practices.'