WHO recommends breastfeeding for two years?

WHO Recommends Breastfeeding for Two Years: A Comprehensive Overview
The World Health Organization (WHO) has long advocated for the benefits of breastfeeding, and its recent recommendation to continue breastfeeding for up to two years or beyond has sparked renewed discussions among healthcare professionals, parents, and policymakers alike. This endorsement is grounded in extensive research highlighting the myriad advantages of breastfeeding for both infants and mothers.
The Benefits of Breastfeeding
Nutritional Superiority: Breast milk is often referred to as the “gold standard” of nutrition for infants. It is uniquely tailored to meet the nutritional needs of a growing baby. Breast milk contains essential nutrients, antibodies, and enzymes that bolster the infant’s immune system and promote healthy development.
Health Outcomes: Studies indicate that breastfeeding is associated with a reduced risk of various illnesses in infants, including respiratory infections, diarrhea, and obesity later in life. The WHO reports that breastfeeding can lower the risk of chronic conditions such as type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular diseases as these children grow older.
Maternal Health: The benefits are not limited to the child; breastfeeding also contributes positively to maternal health. It can aid in postpartum recovery, promote bonding between mother and child, and even lower the risk of certain types of cancer, such as breast and ovarian cancer.
The WHO’s Stance
In its updated guidelines, the WHO emphasizes that breastfeeding should begin within the first hour of birth and continue exclusively for the first six months. After this period, complementary foods should be introduced while maintaining breastfeeding up to two years or beyond. This dual approach not only ensures that infants receive adequate nutrition but also reinforces the importance of breastfeeding as a vital component of child health and development.
Global Implications
The WHO’s recommendation holds significant implications for public health policies worldwide. Many countries are grappling with low breastfeeding rates, often due to societal norms, lack of support, and misinformation. By promoting breastfeeding as a standard practice, the WHO aims to encourage governments to implement policies that support breastfeeding mothers, including maternity leave, breastfeeding-friendly workplaces, and public awareness campaigns.
Challenges and Support Systems
While the benefits of breastfeeding are clear, numerous barriers exist that can hinder a mother’s ability to breastfeed for the recommended duration. Issues such as lack of support from healthcare providers, societal stigma, and the demands of modern life can create challenges. Recognizing these obstacles, the WHO urges countries to establish robust support systems for breastfeeding mothers, including access to lactation consultants, community support groups, and educational resources.
Conclusion
The WHO’s recommendation to breastfeed for two years or beyond is a call to action for families, healthcare providers, and policymakers. It underscores the critical role that breastfeeding plays in fostering healthier societies. As more attention is directed towards this essential aspect of maternal and child health, the hope is that more mothers will feel empowered and supported in their breastfeeding journeys, ultimately benefiting generations to come.

Who guidelines breastfeeding 2 years?

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 do they recommend breastfeeding until 2?

Extended breastfeeding can provide: Continued nutrition. Even once your child gets most of their nutrition from solid food, breast milk still provides calories, growth hormones, valuable immunities, vitamins, probiotics, and enzymes. In fact, breast milk changes to meet your baby’s needs.

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.

Why WHO recommends 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.

Is breastfeeding for 2 years normal?

There are many professional associations that recommend breastfeeding beyond 1 year, but to date there is no evidence that extended breastfeeding is harmful in any way. There is currently no known age when breastmilk is considered to be nutritionally insignificant for a child.

What are the new AAP guidelines for breastfeeding?

• The AAP recommends that babies consume only breast milk for about the first 6 months. There is no need to give your baby infant formula or other sources of nutrition.
• Beyond 6 months, we recommend continued breastfeeding along with other nutritious foods. Your baby does not need any infant or toddler formula.

Why does AAP recommend breastfeeding for 2 years?

There are continued benefits from breastfeeding beyond 1 year, and up to 2 years especially for the breastfeeding parent’s health. This includes protection against diabetes, high blood pressure, and cancers of the breast and ovaries.

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.

Is breastfeeding a 2 year old beneficial?

Thereafter infants should receive complementary foods with continued breastfeeding up to 2 years of age or beyond.” Just as babies do, toddlers receive health benefits from breast milk: it continues to provide immunities and vitamins and can help protect your toddler from illness and allergies.

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%.