Does the WHO recommend breastfeeding?

WHO’s Recommendations on Breastfeeding
The World Health Organization (WHO) strongly advocates for breastfeeding as the optimal source of nutrition for infants. According to their guidelines, exclusive breastfeeding is recommended for the first six months of a baby’s life. This means that infants should receive only breast milk, without any additional food or drink, not even water, during this critical period. This practice is essential for ensuring that babies achieve optimal growth and development.
Health Benefits of Breastfeeding
Breastfeeding is not just about nutrition; it also plays a crucial role in protecting infants from various health issues. The WHO highlights that breastfeeding helps defend against infections, reduces the risk of allergies, and protects against several chronic conditions later in life. The benefits extend beyond infancy, as breastfeeding is linked to improved health outcomes for both mothers and children.
Initiation and Duration
The WHO recommends that mothers initiate breastfeeding within the first hour after birth. This early initiation, combined with uninterrupted skin-to-skin contact, fosters a strong bond between mother and child and encourages successful breastfeeding. The organization also emphasizes that breastfeeding should continue for up to two years or beyond, alongside appropriate complementary foods after the first six months.
Global Initiatives
In a bid to promote breastfeeding practices worldwide, the WHO, in collaboration with UNICEF, has developed a ten-step guidance aimed at enhancing support for breastfeeding in health facilities. This initiative is part of a broader strategy to improve child survival rates and promote healthy growth and development.
In summary, the WHO’s recommendations underscore the importance of breastfeeding as a fundamental aspect of infant health, advocating for exclusive breastfeeding for the first six months and continued breastfeeding for up to two years or more. These guidelines are designed to ensure that infants receive the best possible start in life, with significant long-term health benefits.

What agency recommends breastfeeding?

The World Health Organization currently promotes as a global public health recommendation that: Infants be exclusively breastfed for the first 6 months after birth to achieve optimal growth, development, and health.

WHO will benefit from breastfeeding for the WHO?

Breastfeeding has health benefits for both babies and mothers. Breast milk provides a baby with ideal nutrition and supports growth and development. Breastfeeding can also help protect baby and mom against certain illnesses and diseases.

What is the 3 month breastfeeding crisis?

These increases occur around the same time for all babies, hence the term “3-months breastfeeding crisis”. This crisis is the most well-known because it is the most challenging for mothers. One reason is that this crisis, unlike others you may experience before, can last up to a month.

Does the World Health Organization recommend breastfeeding until age?

Introduction. In order to achieve optimal young child growth and development, WHO recommends that infants be exclusively breastfed for the first six months of life (1). Thereafter, infants should receive nutritionally adequate and safe complementary foods with continued breastfeeding up to 2 years of age or beyond (2).

Why does WHO recommend breastfeeding until 2?

Breastmilk provides all the energy and nutrients that the infant needs for the first months of life, and it continues to provide up to half or more of a child’s nutritional needs during the second half of the first year, and up to one third during the second year of life.

At what age is breastfeeding no longer beneficial?

Breastmilk or infant formula should be your baby’s main source of nutrition for around the first year of life. Health professionals recommend exclusive breastfeeding for 6 months, with a gradual introduction of appropriate foods in the second 6 months and ongoing breastfeeding for 2 years or beyond.

Why does the WHO recommend breastfeeding for all mothers?

Breast milk is the best source of nutrition for most babies. As your baby grows, your breast milk will change to meet his or her nutritional needs. Breastfeeding can also help protect you and your baby against some short- and long-term illnesses and diseases.

Why does the WHO recommend breastfeeding?

Breastmilk is the ideal food for infants. It is safe, clean and contains antibodies which help protect against many common childhood illnesses.

How long does the WHO recommend breastfeeding?

WHO and UNICEF recommend: early initiation of breastfeeding within 1 hour of birth; exclusive breastfeeding for the first 6 months of life; and. introduction of nutritionally-adequate and safe complementary (solid) foods at 6 months together with continued breastfeeding up to 2 years of age or beyond.

What does the WHO say about breastfeeding?

Breastmilk provides all the energy and nutrients that the infant needs for the first months of life, and it continues to provide up to half or more of a child’s nutritional needs during the second half of the first year, and up to one third during the second year of life.