WHO recommends that breastfeeding be done exclusively for the first?

WHO Recommendations on Breastfeeding
The World Health Organization (WHO) has long advocated for the health benefits of breastfeeding, emphasizing that infants should be exclusively breastfed for the first six months of life. This recommendation is grounded in extensive research demonstrating the myriad advantages of breastfeeding for both infants and mothers.
Benefits of Exclusive Breastfeeding
Nutritional Superiority: Breast milk is uniquely tailored to meet the nutritional needs of newborns. It is rich in essential nutrients, antibodies, and enzymes that support the infant’s immune system and overall development. Exclusive breastfeeding for the first six months provides all the necessary nutrients that infants need during this critical growth period.
Health Advantages: Studies have shown that exclusively breastfed infants are at a lower risk of infections, such as gastrointestinal and respiratory infections. Breastfeeding also has long-term health benefits, reducing the likelihood of chronic conditions like obesity, diabetes, and cardiovascular diseases in later life.
Maternal Health Benefits: For mothers, breastfeeding aids in postpartum recovery, helping to reduce the risk of hemorrhage and promoting faster weight loss post-delivery. It also lowers the risk of breast and ovarian cancers and strengthens the emotional bond between mother and child.
Continued Recommendations
After the initial six months, the WHO recommends that breastfeeding should continue alongside the introduction of appropriate complementary foods, extending up to two years or beyond. This continued breastfeeding is encouraged as it continues to provide essential nutrients and supports the child’s immune system.
Global Implications
The WHO’s recommendations are not just about individual health; they have significant implications for public health policies worldwide. Promoting exclusive breastfeeding can lead to improved health outcomes, reduced healthcare costs, and enhanced quality of life for families and communities.
In summary, the WHO’s guidance on exclusive breastfeeding for the first six months is a critical cornerstone in promoting child health and well-being, reflecting a commitment to both maternal and child health that resonates globally.

WHO guidelines for exclusive breastfeeding?

Breastfeeding alone can provide all the food and water your baby needs for the first six months of their lives. Babies do not need any food or drink except breast milk, not even water, until they are six months old. This is called exclusive breastfeeding.

Do US health professionals recommend exclusive breastfeeding for the first months of life?

In the United States, the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) currently recommends: Infants should be fed breast milk exclusively for the first 6 months after birth. Exclusive breastfeeding means that the infant does not receive any additional foods (except vitamin D) or fluids unless medically recommended.

WHO recommends exclusive breastfeeding for how long?

Defining exclusive breastfeeding
In addition, the infant may also have received liquids (water and water-based drinks, fruit juice) ritual fluids and ORS, drops or syrups (vitamins, minerals and medicines). WHO and UNICEF recommend exclusively breastfeeding infants for the first 6 months of life.

What are the WHO recommendations for 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.

WHO recommends exclusive 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.

WHO defined exclusive breastfeeding?

WHO and UNICEF recommend that children initiate breastfeeding within the first hour of birth and be exclusively breastfed for the first 6 months of life – meaning no other foods or liquids are provided, including water.

WHO guidelines for early initiation of breastfeeding?

Introduction. Early initiation of breastfeeding, within one hour of birth is recommended by WHO (1). Although it is one of the core indicators for assessing infant and young child feeding practices (2), it is a far from universal practice.

WHO recommends that breastfeeding be done exclusively for the first _______ months of an infant’s life?

WHO and UNICEF recommend: early initiation of breastfeeding within 1 hour of birth; exclusive breastfeeding for the first 6 months of life; and.

When did WHO recommend exclusive breastfeeding?

Introduction. In 2001, the WHO recommended exclusive breastfeeding (EBF) for the first 6 mo of life (EBF-6), replacing its previous recommendation of EBF for 4-6 mo (1, 2).

Can I drink my wife’s breast milk?

However, drinking breast milk is safe only if it is from your partner whom you know well. This is because breast milk is a bodily fluid, and you do not want yourself to be at risk of infectious diseases such as cytomegalovirus, hepatitis B and C, human immunodeficiency virus, or syphilis.