Why does the who recommend breastfeeding for all mothers?

The WHO’s Recommendation for Breastfeeding: A Comprehensive Overview
The World Health Organization (WHO) strongly advocates for breastfeeding as the optimal method for feeding infants, emphasizing its critical role in promoting health, growth, and development. This recommendation is grounded in a wealth of scientific evidence highlighting the numerous benefits of breastfeeding for both mothers and their babies.
Nutritional Superiority and Health Benefits
Breastfeeding is recognized as the normal way of providing infants with the essential nutrients they require for healthy growth and development. Breast milk is uniquely tailored to meet the nutritional needs of infants, containing the right balance of proteins, fats, vitamins, and carbohydrates. It is also rich in antibodies and other immunological factors that provide unparalleled protection against a variety of illnesses and diseases, significantly reducing the risk of infections and chronic conditions later in life .
The WHO recommends exclusive breastfeeding for the first six months of life, followed by continued breastfeeding along with appropriate complementary foods up to two years of age or beyond. This approach not only supports optimal infant health but also fosters a strong emotional bond between mother and child, enhancing the overall parenting experience.
Support and Accessibility
While virtually all mothers can breastfeed, the WHO acknowledges that many may require accurate information and support from healthcare systems, families, and society to successfully initiate and maintain breastfeeding. This support is crucial, as it helps mothers overcome challenges and reinforces the importance of breastfeeding as a public health priority .
Maternal Health Benefits
The benefits of breastfeeding extend beyond the infant. Mothers who breastfeed experience a range of health advantages, including a reduced risk of breast and ovarian cancers, as well as a lower likelihood of developing osteoporosis. Additionally, breastfeeding can aid in postpartum recovery, helping mothers lose pregnancy weight more effectively.
A Call to Action
The WHO’s recommendation is not merely a guideline; it is a call to action for governments, healthcare providers, and communities to create an environment that supports breastfeeding. This includes implementing policies that protect breastfeeding rights, providing education on its benefits, and ensuring that mothers have access to the necessary resources and support systems.
In conclusion, the WHO’s endorsement of breastfeeding is rooted in its profound impact on the health and well-being of both mothers and infants. By promoting breastfeeding as the gold standard for infant nutrition, the WHO aims to improve health outcomes globally, making it a vital public health initiative.

Why is breastfeeding recommended by most health organizations?

Protection. Breastfeeding can help protect babies against some short- and long-term illnesses and diseases. Breastfed babies have a lower risk of asthma, obesity, type 1 diabetes, and sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS). Breastfed babies are also less likely to have ear infections and stomach bugs.

Why is exclusive breastfeeding recommended?

Research suggests that breastfeeding lowers your baby’s risk of certain diseases and helps build a strong immune system. Breastfed (chestfed) babies have a lower risk of: Diarrhea, vomiting and preterm necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC).

Is it okay not to breastfeed?

Not breastfeeding or weaning prematurely is associated with health risks for mothers as well as for infants. Epidemiologic data suggest that women who do not breastfeed face higher risk of breast cancer and ovarian cancer, as well as obesity, type 2 diabetes, metabolic syndrome, and cardiovascular disease.

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 feed my husband my breast milk?

While the practice isn’t commonly discussed, some people enjoy adult breastfeeding. You might want to experiment with this practice for many reasons, though you might also find it uncomfortable. There aren’t major health concerns in most cases, so if you’re intrigued, free to try breastfeeding your husband or partner.

Did everyone breastfeed before formula?

Infants ate soft or liquid foods made from animal milk, broth, or grains. In the 17th and 18th centuries, these foods were homemade; by the late 19th century, industrially produced options became available. But until the 20th century, babies who were not breastfed often died.

Why do doctors prefer breastfeeding?

Breastfed babies have fewer infections and hospitalizations than formula-fed infants. During breastfeeding, antibodies and other germ-fighting factors pass from a mother to her baby and strengthen the immune system. This helps lower a baby’s chances of getting many infections, including: ear infections.

Why do doctors recommend breastfeeding?

Studies show that breastfed infants have a lower hospitalization rate and tend to be in better health. This leads to fewer visits to their pediatrician for sicknesses. Breast milk contains everything your baby needs to grow and develop. It provides a unique and specific formula of vitamins, minerals and antioxidants.

Why do experts recommend breastfeeding?

Breastfeeding is good for both you and your baby. Breast milk is the best source of nutrition for most babies. As your baby grows, your breast milk will change to meet his or her nutritional needs. Breastfeeding can also help protect you and your baby against some short- and long-term illnesses and diseases.

Why does the WHO recommend breastfeeding?

Breastmilk is the ideal food for infants. It is safe, clean and contains antibodies which help protect against many common childhood illnesses.