Breastfeeding

Optimal nutrition during the first 2 years of a child’s life lowers morbidity and mortality- it reduces risk of chronic disease and improves child development overall.

Breastfeeding has been shown to reduce the risk of obesity, improve IQ and school attendance, and is associated with higher income in adult life. Breastfeeding also reduces health costs for families as well as at the national level.

• Only about 44% of babies 0-6 months of age are exclusively breastfed worldwide.

WHO and UNICEF advises that:

• Breastfeeding should start within 1 hour of birth

• During the first 6 months of life, your baby should be exclusively breastfed.

  • This protects your baby against gastrointestinal infections which are seen not only in developing but also in industrialized countries.

• At 6 months, complementary solid foods can be introduced, with breastfeeding continuing up to 2 years of age or beyond.

  • Breast milk provides over half of a child’s energy needs between 6-12 months, and one third of energy needs between 12-24 months.

  • Longer durations of breastfeeding also reduce risk of ovarian and breast cancer in the parents.

See here for more information.