How long does the WHO recommend breastfeeding?

WHO Recommendations on Breastfeeding Duration
The World Health Organization (WHO) provides clear and comprehensive guidelines regarding breastfeeding, emphasizing its critical role in infant nutrition and health. According to WHO recommendations, exclusive breastfeeding is advised for the first six months of a baby’s life. This means that infants should receive only breast milk, with no additional foods or liquids, not even water, during this period.
Following the initial six months, the WHO encourages continued breastfeeding along with appropriate complementary foods for up to two years or beyond. This approach not only supports the nutritional needs of the growing child but also fosters a strong emotional bond between mother and child. The inclusion of complementary foods is essential as it helps meet the increasing nutritional requirements of infants as they grow.
Importance of Breastfeeding
Breastfeeding is recognized as a cornerstone of child survival, nutrition, and development. It provides numerous health benefits for both the infant and the mother. For infants, breast milk is perfectly tailored to their nutritional needs, offering essential nutrients and antibodies that help protect against infections and diseases. For mothers, breastfeeding can aid in recovery post-delivery and reduce the risk of certain health issues later in life.
In summary, the WHO recommends that mothers exclusively breastfeed their babies for the first six months and continue breastfeeding for at least two years, highlighting the importance of this practice for both child and maternal health.

When does WHO recommend breastfeeding until?

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.

Why does WHO recommend breastfeeding until 2 years?

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.

What is the average age to stop breastfeeding around the world?

The World Health Organization recommends infants breastfeed for up to two years of age or longer. Indeed, evaluations of dozens of cultures reveal that breastfeeding cessation occurs typically between two and four years of infant age [3-5].

How long does the CDC recommend to breastfeed?

12 months
The U.S. Dietary Guidelines for Americans recommend that infants be exclusively breastfed for about the first 6 months. Then, continue breastfeeding until your child is 12 months or older while introducing appropriate complementary foods.’);})();(function(){window.jsl.dh(‘LIFlZ-eFAb_35OUPrKKxuAg__32′,’

When do doctors recommend to stop breastfeeding?

The World Health Organization recommends that all babies be exclusively breastfed for 6 months, then gradually introduced to appropriate foods after 6 months while continuing to breastfeed for 2 years or beyond. Stopping breastfeeding is called weaning. It is up to you and your baby to decide when the time is right.

What does WHO recommend for length of breastfeeding?

The American Academy of Pediatrics and the World Health Organization also recommend exclusive breastfeeding for about the first 6 months, with continued breastfeeding along with introducing appropriate complementary foods for up to 2 years of age or longer.

When to stop breastfeeding World Health Organization?

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).

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.

How long is breastfeeding recommended?

The World Health Organization recommends that all babies be exclusively breastfed for 6 months, then gradually introduced to appropriate foods after 6 months while continuing to breastfeed for 2 years or beyond. Stopping breastfeeding is called weaning. It is up to you and your baby to decide when the time is right.

WHO recommended breastfeeding duration?

WHO Recommendations. Infants should be exclusively breastfed for the first six months of life to achieve optimal growth, development and health.