What was the breastfeeding initiation rate in 2011?

The breastfeeding initiation rate in 2011 was indeed 79%. This figure reflects the significant progress made in promoting breastfeeding practices during that time. The World Health Organization and various health advocacy groups were actively encouraging hospitals and healthcare providers to support breastfeeding as a vital component of infant health. Programs aligned with the Baby-Friendly Hospital Initiative emphasized the importance of immediate breastfeeding initiation after birth, which contributed to elevated rates.

Moreover, this rate indicates a growing awareness and acceptance of breastfeeding's benefits, culminating in stronger parental and institutional support for new mothers. Understanding such a high initiation rate is crucial, as it represents not just individual health decisions but also public health trends and improvements in prenatal and postnatal care.