The International Lactation Consultant Association emphasizes the urgent need to scale up cost-effective best buy interventions to reverse the slowdown in reducing NCD morbidity and mortality.

The protection, promotion and support of optimal breastfeeding practices is identified as a “best buy” for reducing NCDs by WHO.

Further, the UN political declaration on NCDs encourages protecting, promoting and supporting optimal breastfeeding practices, including measures to regulate the marketing of breastmilk substitutes.

Additionally, breastfeeding provides protection against postpartum depression, and reinforces the mother-infant relationship, resulting in a positive impact on mental health.

Protection and support of breastfeeding is critical both in the prevention of NCDs and improving mental health.