Breastfeeding provides the ideal nutrition for a baby and many health benefits for both mother and baby. Breast milk has disease fighting antibodies that help to protect infants from several illnesses and is possibly the most important way of ensuring health and survival.

Studies confirm that women who have breastfed their children have lower risks of major health conditions like ovarian cancer as well as type II diabetes.

Breastfeeding has also been linked to lower the rates of obesity and has been found to help women return to their pre-pregnancy weight faster.

BREAST FEEDING SHOULD BEGIN WITHIN AN HOUR OF BIRTH: Globally less than 40% of infants under six months of age are exclusively breastfed, according to the World Health Organisation (WHO). Adequate breastfeeding support for mothers and families could save many lives through improving the best source of nourishment for infants and young children-breast milk is readily available and affordable, which helps to ensure that infants get adequate sustenance.

WHO recommends exclusive breastfeeding for the first 6 months of a baby’s life. At 6 months, other foods should complement breastfeeding up to 2 years or more. In addition breastfeeding should be as often as the child wants, day and night. Breastfeeding should begin with an hour of birth. Bottles or pacifiers should be avoided.

HOW LONG SHOD ONE BREASTFEED?  It is important to add complementary foods as the child continues to grow at 6 months of age and beyond. Breastfeeding shouldn’t be replaced or decreased with the addition of food. Children require the nutrients and antibodies found in breast milk for the first two years or more.

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