WHO recommends breastfeeding for 2 years?

WHO Recommends Breastfeeding for Two Years: A Comprehensive Overview
In a pivotal health recommendation, the World Health Organization (WHO) has reaffirmed its guidance on breastfeeding, advocating for exclusive breastfeeding for the first six months of life, followed by continued breastfeeding alongside appropriate complementary foods up to two years of age or beyond. This recommendation is rooted in extensive research demonstrating the myriad benefits of breastfeeding for both infants and mothers.
The Benefits of Breastfeeding
Nutritional Superiority
Breast milk is often described as the “perfect food” for infants. It is uniquely tailored to meet the nutritional needs of newborns and young children, providing a rich source of essential nutrients, antibodies, and enzymes. The WHO emphasizes that breastfeeding for at least two years significantly contributes to the infant’s growth and development, bolstering their immune system against infections and diseases.
Long-Term Health Outcomes
Studies have shown that children who are breastfed have a lower risk of various chronic conditions later in life, including obesity, type 2 diabetes, and cardiovascular diseases. Additionally, breastfeeding has been linked to improved cognitive development and academic performance. For mothers, extended breastfeeding reduces the risk of breast and ovarian cancers and contributes to postpartum weight loss.
Global Impact and Challenges
Despite the clear benefits, breastfeeding rates vary dramatically across different regions of the world. The WHO’s recommendation aims not only to improve individual health outcomes but also to address public health challenges globally. In many low- and middle-income countries, cultural practices, lack of support, and inadequate maternity leave policies hinder breastfeeding practices.
Support Systems
The WHO emphasizes the need for supportive environments that encourage breastfeeding. This includes promoting workplace policies that allow for breastfeeding breaks, creating community support programs, and ensuring access to lactation consultants. By fostering a culture that supports breastfeeding, the WHO believes that more mothers will feel empowered to breastfeed for the recommended duration.
Conclusion
The WHO’s recommendation to breastfeed for two years reflects a commitment to improving child and maternal health worldwide. As more research underscores the profound benefits of breastfeeding, it is crucial for governments, healthcare providers, and communities to implement supportive measures that promote this essential practice. By doing so, they can help ensure healthier generations to come, ultimately leading to a healthier global population.

Why did the AAP change breastfeeding guidelines?

Explaining the change in a news release, AAP pointed to the benefits of long-term breastfeeding to mother and child: “Preliminary data reveal that human milk in the second year of life continues to be a significant source of macronutrients and immunologic factors for growing toddlers.” Studies and meta-analyses also …

How long do pediatricians recommend 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.

What happens when you stop breastfeeding after 2 years?

Once you stop breastfeeding you may find that your breasts look and feel very empty. The size of the breasts will likely return to your pre-pregnancy size but may look quite different. The fatty part of your breast will come back over time to make the breasts look fuller and plumper again.

What percentage of moms breastfeed for 2 years?

While 71% of women continue to breastfeed their infant for at least one year, by two years of age, breastfeeding rates decline to 45%.

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.

Which organization recommends breast feeding for at least two years?

The American Academy of Pediatrics and the World Health Organization recommend continued breastfeeding along with introducing appropriate complementary foods for up to 2 years or longer.

When do pediatricians recommend stopping breastfeeding?

The AAP recommends mothers breastfeed (or use pumped milk) until 12 months. After 12 months, they recommend continued nursing “if you and your baby desire it”. The AAP does not recommend an upper age limit for weaning from breastfeeding.

Why does the who recommend breastfeeding for 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.

WHO recommendations for 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.

Is it recommended to breastfeed for 2 years?

AAP recommends that moms breastfeed exclusively for the baby’s first six months and introduce other appropriate foods at that point. Moms can continue breastfeeding until the child turns 2 or even beyond if desired.