The Hospital Authority (HA) has reported a downward trend in exclusive breastfeeding rates among newborns in recent years, attributing the decline to mothers' waning confidence in sustaining milk production and the physical toll of nursing.
As the annual World Breastfeeding Week kicked off on Saturday (Aug. 1), the HA renewed its call for a more breastfeeding‑friendly environment across the city.
Wong Sze‑ki, chairwoman of the authority's Breastfeeding Promotion Subcommittee, noted that many working mothers encounter significant hurdles when they return to their jobs. "They can hardly have enough time to do hand expression or pumping for the baby," she said. She also pointed out that work‑related stress often interferes with successful breastfeeding.
One mother, Zendi Au, shared that she had breastfed three children despite the challenges, thanks to support from HA medical staff and her employer.
According to HA data, the exclusive breastfeeding rate – defined as feeding babies only breast milk – among mothers giving birth at eight public hospitals fell from 23.7 percent in 2021 to 15.5 percent last year.
Wong explained that many women give up breastfeeding because they doubt the adequacy of their milk supply and become physically exhausted. She urged mothers facing difficulties to seek professional help. "If moms have challenges or concerns, when they seek help from our lactation clinic, we will tailor‑make a plan which works best for them," she said.
She added that the HA has received positive feedback, with many mothers finding that lactation nurses can help them overcome obstacles. Wong also said authorities are working on policies to expand breastfeeding facilities locally and appealed for greater community support for breastfeeding in Hong Kong.
(Source: RTHK)
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