New breastfeeding research center opens in Shanghai

In Shanghai, for example, the maternal mortality rate for Shanghai residents dropped from 3.01 per 100,000 people in 2017 to 1.15 per 100,000 people last year. Meanwhile, the infant mortality rate decreased to 3.52 per thousand people.

"Breastfeeding is a key factor to improving the health of children and mothers," Wu added.

Huang Guoying, president of Children's Hospital of Fudan University, agreed.

"Breast milk is the best foods for infants. For premature infants and newborns with low birth weight, infection and intestinal diseases, breast milk is also a medicine," he said.

According to Huang, many studies have shown that breast milk contains a large amount of antibodies, bioactive ingredients and living cells to help babies fight infection. Breast milk can also help improve the functionality of brains, organs and vision, and improve digestion and immunity. It can also effectively reduce the incidence of some diseases, such as necrotizing enterocolitis and infection.

In line with the goals of China's Child Development Program (2011-2020), the country has been developing maternal and child health services, raising the awareness of breastfeeding throughout the nation, and constructing breast milk banks, said Wang Kerang, director of the children's health division at the National Health Commission.

However, Wang pointed out there are still challenges concerning aspects such as breastfeeding facilities in the workplace and public areas, maternity leave policies and breastfeeding knowledge.

"We will work with relevant departments to develop breastfeeding-related policies, and promote the construction of breast milk banks and breastfeeding consulting platforms in the future," he added.