Why does WHO recommend 2 years of breastfeeding?

The WHO’s Recommendation for Two Years of Breastfeeding
The World Health Organization (WHO) advocates for two years of breastfeeding as a crucial component of infant and maternal health. This recommendation is grounded in a wealth of research highlighting the numerous benefits of breastfeeding, both for the child and the breastfeeding parent.
Optimal Nutrition and Development
Initially, the WHO emphasizes that exclusive breastfeeding for the first six months of life is essential. During this period, breast milk provides all the necessary nutrients and hydration that an infant requires, without the need for any additional food or water. After six months, as infants begin to develop their dietary needs, the WHO recommends introducing nutritionally adequate and safe complementary foods while continuing breastfeeding for up to two years or beyond. This approach ensures that children receive the necessary nutrients to support their growth and development during a critical phase of their early life.
Health Benefits for Children
Breastfeeding for an extended period offers significant health advantages. Studies have shown that children who are breastfed for two years or more have a lower risk of developing various health issues, including infections, obesity, and chronic diseases later in life. The antibodies present in breast milk help bolster the infant’s immune system, providing protection against illnesses and contributing to overall health.
Maternal Health Advantages
The benefits of breastfeeding extend beyond the child. For mothers, prolonged breastfeeding is associated with a reduced risk of several health conditions, including breast and ovarian cancers, hypertension, and type 2 diabetes. This dual benefit underscores the importance of breastfeeding not just as a nutritional practice but as a public health strategy that supports the well-being of both mothers and their children.
Emotional and Psychological Benefits
Breastfeeding also fosters a unique bond between mother and child, promoting emotional security and attachment. The act of breastfeeding can enhance maternal mental health, reducing the risk of postpartum depression and fostering a nurturing environment for the child. This emotional connection is vital for the child’s psychological development and can have lasting effects on their social and emotional well-being.
Conclusion
In summary, the WHO’s recommendation for two years of breastfeeding is rooted in a comprehensive understanding of its health benefits for both infants and mothers. By promoting optimal nutrition, enhancing immune protection, and fostering emotional bonds, extended breastfeeding serves as a cornerstone of public health initiatives aimed at improving outcomes for families worldwide. As such, it is a practice that not only nourishes but also nurtures, laying the foundation for a healthier future.

How long does the WHO recommend breastfeeding?

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.

Who recommends breastfeeding for 2 years?

Rationale: WHO and UNICEF recommend breastfeeding up to 2 years or beyond. Assessing breastfeeding among children 20–23 months provides a more accurate measure of those receiving the full benefit of breastfeeding for two years than measures taken for younger age intervals.

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.

Why does the who recommend breastfeeding for all mothers?

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 is it important to breastfeed for 2 years?

Breastfeeding beyond one year is not only great for your baby, but also significantly impacts the health of the mother. Her risk for breast cancer, ovarian cancer, arthritis, high blood pressure, heart disease, and diabetes is significantly reduced after 1 year or more of lactating.

Is it a sin to breastfeed after 2 years?

as for the question whether a mother can breastfeed past the two years, the answer is: there is nothing in the sources to indicate that it is wrong to do so. So, you are free to do so if you deem it conducive to the wellbeing of your child.

Why not to breastfeed after 2 years?

Most experts agree that breastfeeding through the first year of life is most beneficial to your baby. After that, babies often lose interest in breastfeeding because they are becoming more mobile. The World Health Organization (WHO) recommends breastfeeding for the first 2 years of life.

Does breast milk lose nutritional value after 1 year?

Breast milk continues to provide good nutrition and immune protection to your child during the second year of life and beyond. It’s easy for your baby to digest, and doesn’t need to be purchased or prepared. Extended nursing also offers health benefits for the nursing parent.

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.

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%.