The Breastfeeding Awareness Day was observed in Brunei on Sunday, which is aimed at encouraging more and more women to make breastfeeding as a healthy practice and better alternative to bottle feeding.

Roseyati Yaakub, head of Community Nutrition Division of the Ministry of Health, said the benefits of breastfeeding include provision of protection to infants by giving them nutrients and antibodies and protection against diseases.

She said that preliminary results from a local study on the impact of Maternity Leave Regulation on the practice of exclusive breastfeeding amongst women has shown an overall increase in the rate from 35 percent in 2010 to 41 percent in 2013 among babies in the first six months of life.

At the same time, the study also looked into exclusive breastfeeding among working mothers. This has also shown a similar positive trend with an increased rate from 33 percent in 2012 to 37 percent in 2013. However, both results are still much lower than the global target of 50 percent, she added.

Yaakub said the Ministry of Health has set a target to reach a 50-percent exclusive breastfeeding rate by 2020.

To mark the Breastfeeding Awareness Day, an exhibition is held at Mabohai Shopping Complex promoting the benefits of breastfeeding. Mothers can seek assistance and information in a Breastfeeding Advisor's Corner.

First-time mothers and those who have previously failed to breastfeed are especially invited to attend the "Let's Talk About Breastfeeding," which will emphasize the benefits of breastfeeding, highlight factors that facilitate breastfeeding and share correct techniques.