WHO recommendations for breastfeeding duration?

WHO Recommendations for Breastfeeding Duration
The World Health Organization (WHO) has established clear guidelines regarding breastfeeding, emphasizing its critical role in the health and development of infants. According to WHO recommendations, exclusive breastfeeding is advised for the first six months of life. This means that infants should receive only breast milk, with no additional foods or liquids, not even water. This practice is crucial as breast milk provides all the necessary nutrients that infants require during this early stage of growth, protecting them against infections and diseases.
Benefits of Exclusive Breastfeeding
The benefits of exclusive breastfeeding for six months are well-documented. It significantly reduces the risk of gastrointestinal infections and other common childhood illnesses, such as pneumonia. These health advantages are observed globally, affecting both developing and industrialized nations . Furthermore, breastfeeding is associated with long-term health benefits for both mothers and infants, including a decreased risk of certain cancers in mothers and improved health outcomes for children.
Transition to Complementary Foods
After the initial six months, the WHO recommends that breastfeeding should continue alongside the introduction of nutritionally adequate and safe complementary foods. This transition is essential as infants’ nutritional needs evolve. The WHO advises that breastfeeding should continue for up to two years or beyond, as long as it is mutually desired by both the mother and the child. This extended breastfeeding period not only supports the child’s nutritional needs but also fosters a strong emotional bond between mother and child.
Ongoing Research and Adaptation of Guidelines
The WHO continuously reviews and updates its recommendations based on new research findings. For instance, while exclusive breastfeeding for six months is generally safe, some studies have indicated that infants in certain developing regions may experience lower iron levels. This highlights the importance of adapting breastfeeding practices to local contexts while adhering to the overarching guidelines.
In summary, the WHO’s recommendations underscore the importance of breastfeeding as a fundamental aspect of infant health. By promoting exclusive breastfeeding for the first six months and continuing to breastfeed alongside complementary foods for up to two years or more, the WHO aims to enhance the health outcomes for infants and mothers worldwide.

What is the recommended length of time to breastfeed?

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.

Why does who recommend 2 years of 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.

What are the CDC recommendations for breastfeeding?

How long should infants be breastfed? Exclusive breastfeeding for about the first six months is recommended. The Dietary Guidelines for Americans recommends continued breastfeeding while introducing appropriate complementary foods until children are 12 months or older.

What does WHO recommend for length of breastfeeding?

How long should I breastfeed for? Exclusive breastfeeding (breast milk only) is recommended for around the first 6 months of your baby’s life. Breastfeeding alongside solid foods is best for babies from 6 months. You and your baby can carry on enjoying the benefits of breastfeeding for as long as you like.

Why not to breastfeed after 2 years?

Most experts agree that breastfeeding through the first year of life is most beneficial to your baby. After that, babies often lose interest in breastfeeding because they are becoming more mobile. The World Health Organization (WHO) recommends breastfeeding for the first 2 years of life.

WHO recommended breastfeeding duration?

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.

How long does the CDC recommend breastfeeding?

How long should infants be breastfed? Exclusive breastfeeding for about the first six months is recommended. The Dietary Guidelines for Americans recommends continued breastfeeding while introducing appropriate complementary foods until children are 12 months or older.

What is the 5 5 5 rule for breast milk?

Something I recommend to moms is the 5-5-5 rule. Try and use milk within five hours at room temperature, five days in the fridge, and by five months in the freezer.

WHO recommended breastfeeding period?

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.

How long do most people breastfeed?

No two breastfeeding journeys are the same and lots of parents continue to breastfeed for two years or longer. Mothers may stop breastfeeding before this for multiple reasons. This could be due to medical reasons, a difficult or painful latch, insufficient breast milk supply or simply personal choice.