In Pakistan although there is an increase in early initiation of breastfeeding but the exclusive breastfeeding rates and the ever-breastfed rates are stable. The mean duration of breastfeeding months has decreased with an increased prevalence of bottlefeeding.
In Pakistan various factors contribute to code violations, which include lack of awareness among mothers/care takers, unethical marketing of breast milk substitutes by multinational companies, lack of competency based skills among health providers.
Promotional campaigns by formula milk companies is supported by practicing doctors in Pakistan and this increases the chances of bottle feeding in most cases. Various studies have shown that doctors support receiving gifts, 9,10 promotional material and donations from formula milk/feeding bottle manufacturers.