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WHO recommended breastfeeding period?

WHO Recommendations on Breastfeeding
The World Health Organization (WHO) has established clear guidelines regarding breastfeeding, emphasizing its critical role in infant health and development. 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, without any additional food or drink, not even water, during this period. This practice is crucial as it provides all the necessary nutrients and hydration that a newborn requires.
Duration of Breastfeeding
Following the initial six months of exclusive breastfeeding, WHO recommends that breastfeeding should continue alongside the introduction of complementary foods. This combination should ideally persist for up to two years or beyond. The rationale behind this extended breastfeeding period is multifaceted; it not only supports the child’s nutritional needs as they grow but also fosters a strong emotional bond between mother and child.
Health Benefits
The benefits of breastfeeding extend beyond mere nutrition. Research indicates that optimal breastfeeding practices could save the lives of over 820,000 children under five years old each year. Breastfeeding is associated with improved cognitive development, better school attendance, and even higher income levels in adulthood. These long-term advantages underscore the importance of adhering to WHO’s recommendations.
Conclusion
In summary, the WHO advocates for exclusive breastfeeding for the first six months of life, followed by continued breastfeeding for at least two years. This guidance is rooted in extensive research highlighting the profound health benefits for both infants and mothers, making breastfeeding a vital component of public health initiatives worldwide.

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.

What is the recommended breastfeeding period?

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. Babies show they are ready to start solids when they: start showing interest when others are eating.

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 is the 6 6 6 rule for breastfeeding?

Rule #2: The Breast Milk Storage Guidelines.
Or the 6-6-6 rule. Basically, breast milk is good at room temperature for 4 or 6 hours, in the refrigerator for 4 or 6 days, and in the freezer for 4 or 6 or 12 months.

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.

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

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 is the 120 breastfeeding rule?

The 120-minute rule is a helpful guideline for exclusive pumpers. It suggests spending at least 120 minutes (or 2 hours) each day pumping. How you divide that time depends on your baby’s age.

WHO recommends exclusive breastfeeding for 6 months?

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.

Natasha Lunn

Tash is an IBCLC and Business Coach helping fellow IBCLCs create fun, profitable businesses that are more than just an expensive hobby. Before becoming an IBCLC and starting her private practice - The Boobala, Tash graduated as an Osteopath in 2008 and has been in Private Practice in South West Sydney. She was also a volunteer Breastfeeding Counsellor and Community Educator with the Australian Breastfeeding Association for 6 years. Through her business, Your Lactation Biz, Tash coaches and creates products to help new and seasoned IBCLCs build businesses that suit their personality and lifestyle.

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