WHO recommendations on breastfeeding

WHO Recommendations on breastfeeding

• Initiation of breastfeeding within the first hour of life

• Exclusive breastfeeding – that is the infant only receives breast milk without any additional food or drink, not even water

• Breastfeeding on demand – that is as often as the child wants, day and night

• No use of bottles, teats or pacifiers

Ten facts on breastfeeding

• Breastfeeding should begin within one hour of birth and should be "on demand", as often as the child wants day and night

• It is safe and contains antibodies that help protect infants from common childhood illnesses such as diarrhea and pneumonia

• Breast milk is readily available and affordable, which helps to ensure that infants get adequate nutrition.

• Exclusive breastfeeding reduces risks of breast and ovarian cancer, type II diabetes, and postpartum depression for the nursing mother.

• Adolescents and adults who were breastfed as babies are less likely to be overweight or obese.

• Breast milk is the natural first food for babies, it provides all the energy and nutrients that the infant needs for the first months of life.

• Breast milk promotes sensory and cognitive development, and protects the infant against infectious and chronic diseases

• Exclusive breastfeeding reduces infant mortality due to common childhood illnesses such as diarrhea or pneumonia, and helps for a quicker recovery during illness

Source: WHO