Most mothers in Cyprus breastfeed. The Ministry wants to strengthen postpartum support.

About 87% of mothers in Cyprus breastfed their babies, while exclusive breastfeeding was recorded in about 28%, the Ministry of Health reported, citing perinatal indicators for 2015–2024. In October, which is Breastfeeding Promotion Month on the island, the ministry emphasizes the need for ongoing support for women.

The assistance will cover preparation for childbirth, hospital stay, the first weeks at home, and returning to work. The government's policy for 2026–2030 includes training for medical personnel, easier access to counseling, and creating conditions conducive to breastfeeding in workplaces and public spaces.

What do the 87% and 28% rates mean?

The Ministry distinguishes between breastfeeding and exclusively breastfeeding. The former also includes situations in which the baby receives additional breast milk.

However, the difference between these values alone does not explain why mixed feeding was used or when it was initiated, nor does it allow us to determine how long individual women breastfed.

The announcement does not indicate that 28% represents exclusive breastfeeding for the full six months. Therefore, this figure should not be presented as the percentage of mothers who met the WHO recommendation for this duration.

Help even after leaving the hospital

The Ministry emphasizes the importance of continuity of care. Women should have access to reliable information during pregnancy, receive support after delivery, and know where to turn to if they experience difficulties after returning home.

WHO and UNICEF incorporate this approach into their "Ten Steps to Successful Breastfeeding." Recommendations include support for initiating and maintaining breastfeeding and addressing common challenges.

Managing discharge from the hospital is also crucial. Parents should have access to continued support and care, rather than seeking help on their own only when a problem arises.

Skin-to-skin contact after childbirth

One recommended practice is direct, uninterrupted skin-to-skin contact between the newborn and the mother after birth, known as skin-to-skin.

The WHO indicates that it helps initiate breastfeeding. The Cypriot ministry wants the practice to be systematically included in perinatal care, and that mother and child should not be separated without medical justification.

Recommendations also include allowing the mother and newborn to stay together 24 hours a day and for staff to help recognize the signals the baby uses to communicate the need to feed.

New policy until 2030

The Council of Ministers approved a new national breastfeeding policy on July 22, 2026. The document covers the years 2026–2030.

It involves developing evidence-based practices, training healthcare professionals, and assessing the effectiveness of undertaken actions. Support will extend to hospitals, community care, workplaces, and public spaces.

The Ministry emphasizes that the conditions for continuing breastfeeding also depend on family, employers, and healthcare organizations. Returning to work is particularly important when daily responsibilities may make it difficult to maintain breastfeeding.

The aim of the activities is to provide women who want to breastfeed with accessible and continuous support – regardless of their place of residence or professional situation.

Sources: Ministry of Health of Cyprus, Presidency of the Republic of Cyprus, WHO.