WHO recommends breastfeeding until 2?

WHO’s Recommendation on Breastfeeding: A Lifelong Benefit
In a significant endorsement of maternal and child health, the World Health Organization (WHO) recommends that mothers breastfeed their infants exclusively for the first six months of life, followed by continued breastfeeding alongside appropriate complementary foods until the age of two years or beyond. This guidance is rooted in extensive research highlighting the myriad benefits of breastfeeding for both infants and mothers.
Exclusive Breastfeeding for Optimal Growth
The WHO emphasizes that exclusive breastfeeding—meaning no other food or drink, not even water—is crucial during the first six months. This practice is vital for ensuring optimal growth and development in infants. Breast milk provides all the necessary nutrients, antibodies, and energy that a baby needs during this critical period, significantly reducing the risk of infections and illnesses.
Continued Breastfeeding: A Two-Year Minimum
After the initial six months, the WHO advocates for the continuation of breastfeeding for at least two years. This recommendation is not merely a guideline but a public health strategy aimed at enhancing child survival rates and promoting healthy growth and development. The benefits of extended breastfeeding include improved nutritional status and a stronger immune system, which can lead to better health outcomes as children grow.
Maternal Health Benefits
The advantages of breastfeeding extend beyond the child. Mothers who breastfeed experience a reduced risk of several health issues, including breast and ovarian cancers, postpartum depression, and cardiovascular diseases. This dual benefit underscores the importance of breastfeeding as a shared health initiative for both mother and child.
Global Public Health Perspective
The WHO’s recommendations are part of a broader public health initiative aimed at improving child health globally. By promoting breastfeeding, the organization seeks to address malnutrition and enhance the overall health of populations. The guidelines are designed to be adaptable to various cultural contexts, encouraging mothers to breastfeed as long as mutually desired by both mother and child.
In conclusion, the WHO’s recommendation to breastfeed until at least the age of two is a testament to the profound impact of breastfeeding on health. It serves as a call to action for mothers and healthcare providers alike to prioritize this natural practice, ensuring that children receive the best possible start in life.

Is breastfeeding recommended until 2?

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 breastfeeding until 2?

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 recommended age 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.

Does the CDC recommend breastfeeding until 2?

How long should a mother breastfeed? 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 old or older.

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.

What is the healthiest age 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.

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.

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 people breastfeed until 2 years old?

For some people, extended breastfeeding is rewarding and meaningful. It can benefit their health, mental well-being, and bond. It is also a convenient and economical form of nutrition.

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 …