started · updated
Brazil Improves Breastfeeding Rates Amid Ongoing Challenges
Brazil is recognized internationally for its human milk banks and has seen exclusive breastfeeding rates for infants up to six months rise from about 37% in 2012 to 47% today. Despite the progress, the rate remains below the World Health Organization’s target of 60% by 2030.
Experts, including UNICEF health specialist Stephanie Amaral and Ministry of Health representative Sonia Isoyama Venancio, called for extending the current 120‑day maternity leave and improving workplace support. The "Mulher Trabalhadora que Amamenta" program encourages companies to offer six‑month leave and to install certified lactation rooms, of which 437 have been approved. Senator Damares Alves highlighted persistent regional inequalities and the difficulty mothers face returning to work. New legislation, Law 15.371 (effective 2026), will gradually raise paternity leave to 20 days by 2029.
Entities
Brazil · Damares Alves · Sonia Isoyama Venancio · Stephanie Amaral · UNICEF
Claims
What the coverage asserts, and how many sources carry each claim.
- [● 3 SOURCES] The program 'Mulher Trabalhadora que Amamenta' encourages companies to extend maternity leave to six months and install lactation rooms. es1.com.br · momentomt.com.br · rdmonline.com.br
- [● 3 SOURCES] Exclusive breastfeeding rate for infants up to six months increased from about 37% in 2012 to 47%. es1.com.br · momentomt.com.br · rdmonline.com.br
- [● 3 SOURCES] Brazil is one of the world’s examples in human milk banks. es1.com.br · momentomt.com.br · rdmonline.com.br
- [● 3 SOURCES] Law 15.371, enacted in 2026, will increase paternity leave to 20 days by 2029. es1.com.br · momentomt.com.br · rdmonline.com.br
- [● 3 SOURCES] The WHO target is 60% exclusive breastfeeding by 2030. es1.com.br · momentomt.com.br · rdmonline.com.br
- [● 3 SOURCES] Current maternity leave in Brazil is 120 days. es1.com.br · momentomt.com.br · rdmonline.com.br
- [● 3 SOURCES] Senator Damares Alves highlighted regional inequalities and workplace obstacles to breastfeeding. es1.com.br · momentomt.com.br · rdmonline.com.br
- [● 3 SOURCES] There are 437 certified lactation rooms approved by the Ministry of Health. es1.com.br · momentomt.com.br · rdmonline.com.br