Results of the field test in Guatemala of the workbook `guide to assessing the economic value of breastfeeding"

Inappropriate feeding practices, often characterized by early introduction of liquids or other foods, increase the risk of infant morbidity and mortality. This report summarizes the results from a field test in Guatemala of the A.I.D.-sponsored "Guide to Assessing the Economic Value of Breastfeeding." The report estimates data for the following categories; (1) excess infant mortality; (2) excess infant morbidity; (3) public health costs associated with excess morbidity; (4) percent of health budget devoted to excess morbidity; (5) costs of infant formula and supplies in public institutions; (6) percent of health budget devoted to supplies and staffing associated with bottle feeding; (7) total number of births currently averted by breastfeeding; (8) annual interest on the country"s debt attributable to the import of breast milk substitutes; (9) household costs associated with the use of breast milk substitutes; and (10) household expenditures due to excess morbidity. The report does not attempt to estimate the cost of effective breastfeeding promotion. Includes recommendations for changing the format of the "Guide" and improving its methodology.