Deep Dive Into Breastfeeding in South Africa

Key Breastfeeding Metrics

Exclusive Breastfeeding (EBF) Rates

According to data released by the National Department of Health and the National Food and Nutrition Security Survey, SA’s exclusive breastfeeding rate for infants under 6 months old has experienced a troubling downward trend: 

• (2024–2026): 22% of infants under six months are exclusively breastfed. 

• This is a notable decline from the 32% reported in the 2016 South African Demographic and Health Survey (SADHS).  

• The country faces a steep path toward reaching the World Health Assembly (WHA) and Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) target of 50% by 2025/2026, and the subsequent goal of 70% by 2030.

Early Initiation of Breastfeeding

• Approximately 67% to 69% of newborns are put to the breast within the first hour of birth. 

• Despite high initial implementation rates in hospitals (often supported by the Mother-Baby Friendly Initiative), a severe drop-off occurs post-discharge. For example, regional data highlights that while EBF rates can sit around 40% at 14 weeks, they drop down to below 8% by the time the infant reaches 6 months. 

Mixed Feeding and Alternative Nutrition

• The average duration of exclusive breastfeeding nationally sits at roughly 2.9 months. 

• The introduction of formula and solid foods prior to 6 months remains high. Public health officials attribute this to aggressive digital marketing by infant formula companies and structural barriers facing mothers returning to work or school.

Public Health Interventions

• Human Milk Banking - Promoted heavily via the Tshwane Declaration, there are over 40 functional human milk banks across the country (operating in both public facilities and via NGOs like the South African Breastmilk Reserve). These protect vulnerable, low-birth-weight, and premature infants in Neonatal Intensive Care Units (NICUs).

• Kangaroo Mother Care (KMC) - Routinely paired with early breastfeeding initiation protocols in public hospitals to lower neonatal mortality and support lactation stabilisation.

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