Despite a rise in the use of artificial formulas for babies, the Ministry of Health has implored lactating mothers to feed their children with breast milk.

Sharmaine Edwards, director of nutrition for the Ministry of Health, emphasised that the ministry has continued to promote exclusive breastfeeding up to six months, but noted that there is also a recommendation to give comple-mentary food to children who have completed the 180 days.

"There are still benefits of breast milk to the child after six months, and certainly up to two years," she said.

The health ministry has recognised the need to educate parents about the importance of breastfeeding for the proper development of children, as there is a growing concern regarding the declining rate of children who are breastfed.

This was highlighted by Dr Sheila Campbell-Forrester, chief medical officer, speaking on behalf of the health minister, at the national church service for Breastfeeding Week held on Sunday at the Torrington Wesleyan Holiness Church in Westmoreland.

Decline

"Instead of seeing a steady increase in the exclusive breastfeeding rate, the rate has declined from 63.2 per cent in 1983 to 44 per cent in 2007," said Campbell-Forrester.

"Contrary to common belief, formulas are not suitable replacements for breast milk," she read. "The breast milk contains the right amount of nutrients for infants."