IBCLC Practice Exam 2025 – Complete Preparation Guide

The purpose of the International Code of Breastmilk Substitutes is specifically to regulate the marketing of breastmilk substitutes, which includes infant formulas. This Code was established to protect and promote breastfeeding by ensuring that mothers receive accurate information about infant feeding options without aggressive marketing practices that could undermine breastfeeding.

By regulating how breastmilk substitutes can be marketed, the Code aims to create an environment where breastfeeding is supported, and the risks associated with not breastfeeding are clearly communicated. It imposes restrictions on the advertising and promotion of these products to prevent misleading claims that may lead mothers to choose substitutes over breastfeeding, thereby prioritizing the health of infants and promoting better nutrition outcomes.

While the Code indirectly supports exclusive breastfeeding and longer breastfeeding duration by restricting the marketing of alternatives, its primary focus is on regulating the practices surrounding breastmilk substitutes. Therefore, it serves as a critical framework in the global effort to support and promote breastfeeding through responsible marketing practices.