The Executive Board, at its 101st session in January 1998, called for a revitalization of the global commitment to appropriate infant and young child nutrition, and in particular breastfeeding and complementary feeding. Subsequently, in close collaboration with UNICEF, WHO organized a consultation (Geneva, 13-17 March 2000) to assess infant and young child feeding policies, review key interventions, and formulate a comprehensive strategy for the next decade…continue reading.

The World Health Organization and UNICEF recommendations on breastfeeding are as follows:

initiation of breastfeeding within the first hour after the birth; exclusive breastfeeding for the first six months; and continued breastfeeding for two years or more, together with safe, nutritionally adequate, age appropriate, responsive complementary feeding starting in the sixth month

AND states that: Breastfeeding Saves More Lives Than Any Other Preventive Intervention!

Source: Unicef

If every child was breastfed within an hour of birth, given only breast milk for their first six months of life, and continued breastfeeding up to the age of two years, about 800 000 child lives would be saved every year. Globally, less than 40% of infants under six months of age are exclusively breastfed. Adequate breastfeeding counselling and support are essential for mothers and families to initiate and maintain optimal breastfeeding practices. Read the 10 facts about breastfeeding – starting with:

WHO recommends exclusive breastfeeding for the first six months of life. At six months, solid foods, such as mashed fruits and vegetables, should be introduced to complement breastfeeding for up to two years or more. In addition:

• breastfeeding should begin within one hour of birth
• breastfeeding should be “on demand”, as often as the child wants day and night; and
• bottles or pacifiers should be avoided.