Exclusive Breastfeeding

Exclusive breastfeeding is the practice of feeding infants and young children only with breast milk and no other liquids or solids. It is the recommended way to feed children up to 6 months old. Beyond 6 months, other safe and nutritionally adequate foods can be gradually introduced and breastfeeding is recommended until at least 12 months of age. Exclusive breastfeeding has numerous health benefits for both children and mothers. It increases the chances of survival of infants in the first few months, it is associated with better cognitive development and a lower risk of infections, allergies and other chronic diseases, and it helps to reduce the risk of obesity in later life. Exclusive breastfeeding also offers significant health benefits for mothers, including a greater chance of returning to pre-pregnancy weight faster. It is also associated with a lower risk of breast and ovarian cancer. In addition, it can save families money as breast milk is free.