WHO recommends breastfeeding until what age?

WHO Recommendations on Breastfeeding
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, mothers are encouraged to continue frequent, on-demand breastfeeding until the child reaches two years of age or beyond. This guidance underscores the importance of breastfeeding not only in the early months but also as a sustained practice that can extend well into toddlerhood.
Importance of Breastfeeding
Breastfeeding is recognized as the normal and optimal way to provide infants with the essential nutrients they need for healthy growth and development. The WHO highlights that virtually all mothers can successfully breastfeed, provided they receive the right information and support from their families, healthcare systems, and society at large. This support is crucial, as it can significantly influence a mother’s ability to initiate and maintain breastfeeding.
Exclusive Breastfeeding and Complementary Foods
The WHO also recommends that infants be exclusively breastfed for the first six months of life. This means that no other foods or liquids, including water, should be given during this period. After six months, while continuing to breastfeed, mothers should introduce appropriate complementary foods to ensure that the child receives a balanced diet. The combination of breastfeeding and complementary feeding is vital for the child’s nutritional needs as they grow.
Conclusion
In summary, the WHO advocates for breastfeeding to continue until at least the age of two, highlighting its importance in promoting health and development. This recommendation reflects a broader understanding of nutrition and child health, encouraging mothers to embrace breastfeeding as a long-term commitment that benefits both mother and child.

How long does the who recommend breastfeeding?

Infants should be breastfed on demand – that is as often as the child wants, day and night. No bottles, teats or pacifiers should be used. From the age of 6 months, children should begin eating safe and adequate complementary foods while continuing to breastfeed for up to two years of age or beyond.

Does the World Health Organization recommend breastfeeding until age?

Introduction. In order to achieve optimal young child growth and development, WHO recommends that infants be exclusively breastfed for the first six months of life (1). Thereafter, infants should receive nutritionally adequate and safe complementary foods with continued breastfeeding up to 2 years of age or beyond (2).

What is the most common age to stop breastfeeding?

As the AAFP notes, according to anthropological data, the natural age of self-weaning (meaning weaning determined strictly by the child) is about 2.5–7 years old. Obviously, not everyone wants to nurse that long, but it’s nice to know it’s an option that’s normal and actually pretty common all over the world.

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.

Is it normal for a 16 year old to produce breast milk?

Galactorrhea (say “guh-lak-tuh-REE-uh”) happens when a teen’s breasts make milk but she is not pregnant. The milk may leak from one or both breasts. Sometimes milk leaks only when the breast is touched. At other times, milk leaks without any touching.

Who recommended the 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.

What is the oldest age to breastfeed?

The World Health Organization (WHO) recommends breastfeeding up to 2 years or more.

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.

Can a 15 year old mother breastfeed?

There are no physiological reasons an adolescent mother cannot breastfeed; in fact, in terms of physical ability, it can actually be easier for them than for more mature mothers.

At what age is breastfeeding no longer beneficial?

But Dr Max Davie, from the Royal College of Paediatrics and Child Health, says there is limited evidence of additional nutritional benefit beyond the age of two. “By the age of two, a child should get all the nutrients required through their diet so there is no additional benefit to breastfeeding over this age.”