Most health authorities recommend exclusive breastfeeding for at least 6 months. The breastfeeding duration after 2 years depends entirely on the mother and the baby. And breastfeeding for a year at least with other foods which should be started at 6 months of age, such as vegetables, grains, fruits, proteins. Breastfeeding offers tremendous health benefits to both mother and child. These nutrients are major prerequisites to the health and survival of the baby. Review the reasons why breastfeeding is best for babies and mothers. Alfred kwesi manyeh, alberta amu, david etsey akpakli, john e.
Exclusive breastfeeding for 6 months and breastfeeding with complementary foods for at least 12 months is the ideal feeding pattern for infants. This study was aimed at assessing the knowledge and practice of exclusive breastfeeding among mothers in the tamale metropolis of ghana. On the other hand, the recognition of the shortterm benefits of breastfeeding, briefly described in. Consequently, the who and unicef have recommended exclusive breastfeeding for the first six months after delivery, followed by. However, the prevalence of exclusive breastfeeding in ethiopia has been estimated at. Effect of exclusive breastfeeding on incidences of illness in infants first 6 months of life. But you and your baby are unique, and the decision. High coverage with optimal breastfeeding practices has potentially the single largest. Protective effect of exclusive breastfeeding against infections during infancy. The early practices supporting breastfeeding are well practiced with rate of exclusive breastfeeding reaching 63. Importance of exclusive breastfeeding and complementary feeding. If you exclusively nurse your baby, you will not need to buy formula, bottles, and supplies. Breast milk contains all the nutrients an infant needs in the first six months of life. Breast milk contains everything the baby needs for the first six months of life, in all the right proportions.
Exclusive breastfeeding is defined as feeding infants only breast milk, be it directly from breast or expressed, except drops or syrups consisting of vitamins, mineral supplements or medicine. Awareness of the benefits and practice of exclusive. Breastfeeding reduces a womans risk for type 2 diabetes, hypertension, and coronary artery disease, myocardial infarction, as well as breast, ovarian, and endometrial cancer. Why breastfeeding is important after completing this session participants will be able to. This descriptive study investigated awareness of the benefits and practice of exclusive breastfeeding among nursing mothers in anyigba, kogi state. The american academy of pediatrics and the american college of obstetricians and gynecologists recommend exclusive breastfeeding for the first six months, with continued breastfeeding for at least one year balanced with the introduction of foods it is also an objective of healthy people 2020 for.
Mass media and promotion of the benefit of exclusive. Advantages and disadvantages of exclusive breastfeeding. Knowledge and practice of exclusive breastfeeding among. Breastfeeding protects against diarrhoea and common childhood illnesses such as pneumonia, and may also have longerterm health benefits for the mother and child, such as reducing the risk of overweight and obesity in. Exclusive breastfeeding suppresses ovulation and offers some protection from pregnancy for the first few months. Breastfeeding benefits of breastfeeding medlineplus.
How can breastfeeding help both the mother and the baby. Breastfeeding offers many health benefits for children, women, and society. Benefits of breastfeeding the endowment for human development. Yet 4, indicated that most mothers have knowledge of ebf 97. Infant feeding and childhood cognition at ages 3 and 7 years. Health benefits of exclusive breastfeeding the guardian.
But it also can be difficult to manage breastfeeding in todays hurried world. Six months of exclusive breastfeeding recommendation bioline. Breastfeeding supports healthy brain development, and is associated with higher performance in intelligence tests among children and adolescents across all income levels. Benefits of breastfeeding and risk factors for difficulties. Breast milk is rich in nutrients and antibodies and contains the right quantities of fat, sugar, water and protein. Bureau of business and economic research msc06 3510, 1 university of new mexico albuquerque, nm 871 tel.
Exclusive breastfeeding is one of the essential actions for infant development and survival. Exclusive breastfeeding of babies for six months is a well recognized childhood survival strategy of great benefits in reducing underfive mortality rates. For maximum benefits, breastfeeding should be initiated soon after the. In canada, for example, community health survey data for 20092010 found a breastfeeding initiation rate of87. Among its other known health benefits are some protection against common childhood infections and better survival during a babys first year, including a lower risk of sudden infant death syndrome. It is specially designed to cater for all your childs nutritional needs in the first six months of life.
Exclusive breastfeeding for 6 months is the optimal method of infant feeding 1. Exclusive breastfeeding has been recognised as an important public health tool for the primary prevention of child morbidity and mortality. Breastfeeding also helps keep your child healthier, which can lower medical costs and reduce the amount of work you miss to care for a sick baby. For infants to survive, grow and develop properly they require the right proportion of nutrients. The aap recommend exclusive breastfeeding for the first 6 months of a babys life. Breastfeeding, with its many known health benefits for infants, children, and mothers, is a key strategy to improve public health. Here are many other benefits of breast milk for a mother, her baby, and others. Understanding breastfeeding benefits maternal and child. The decline in exclusive breastfeeding rates despite the efforts made by the governmental and nongovernmental organizations interested.
Food and rural economics division, economic research service, u. Effect of exclusive breastfeeding on incidences of illness. Mothers and babies benefit the most when breast milk is the only food or liquid given to babies for the first six months exclusive breastfeeding. It also reduces the risk of baby bottle tooth decay. Followup of these subjects in adolescence has provided experimental evidence on the longterm effects of breastfeeding 35. Learning all you can before you give birth can help.
Breastfeeding also has economic benefits for the whole family and society. Increases in initiation and duration are needed to realize the health, nutritional, immunological, psychological, economical, and environmental benefits of breastfeeding. Pdf factors that influence exclusive breastfeeding. At that time, preterm infants admitted to neonatal units could be ethically allocated at random to receive banked breastmilk or formula. Bmi, ldls, blood pressure later in life, hdls, and improved insulin metabolism. Exclusive breastfeeding for optimal growth, development and health of infants. The surgeon generals call to action to support breastfeeding. Infants must thereafter receive complementary baby food along with breast milk for up to 2 years of age. Research shows that breastfeeding provides many health benefits for you and your baby. Exclusive breastfeeding means no additional nutrition, such as. Teaching points use and define the term exclusive breastfeeding. Exclusive breastfeeding cessation and associated factors among employed mothers in dukem town, central ethiopia.
The prevalence of exclusive breastfeeding ebf for the first six months of life has remained low worldwide and in ghana, despite strong evidence in support of its practice. The percentage difference in rates for exclusive breastfeeding through six months between black and white infants increased from 7. Prolactin is released during breastfeeding, promoting maternal relaxation and feelings of wellbeing. Mass media and promotion of the benefit of exclusive breastfeeding with abstract, chapter 15, references and questionnaire. Breastfeeding protects against diarrhoea and common childhood illnesses such as pneumonia. Maternal health benefits of breastfeeding mdedge obgyn. Describe the benefits of breastfeeding in a hospital setting.
Costbenefit analysis of increasing breastfeeding rate in new mexico june 2015 doleswar bhandari, ph. The duration of exclusive breastfeeding as given by the who is 6 months after birth. Breast milk contains the right balance of nutrients to help your infant grow into a strong and healthy toddler. Breastfeeding reduces the number of sick days that families must use to. Research shows that breastfeeding offers many health benefits for infants and mothers, as well as potential economic and environmental benefits for communities. Breastfeeding benefits breastfeeding promotion and support. Benefits for society breastfeeding offers society not only improved health of children and mothers but also economic and environmental benefits. Continued breastfeeding is then recommended for at least one year, as different foods are introduced into the babys diet 3. Feeding only breastmilk at the breast or own mothers expressed breast milk, no food or water except vitamins, minerals, and medications. Chapter 1, constitutes an ethical challenge to the design of randomized trials aimed at assessing its. Exclusive breastfeeding is the process of feeding a newborn baby exclusively with breast milk and no other supplement. Exclusive breastfeeding for the first 6 months of life, with gradual introduction of solid foods after 6 months, is recognized as the preferred method of infant feeding. Exclusive breastfeeding is when a baby receives only breast milk, without any additional food or drinks, including water, until 6 months of age. Breastfeeding for more than 9 months is the most effective way to prevent malocclusion or posterior crossbite.
Breastfeeding provides ideal nutrition despite any social or economic disadvantages that may exist for the child. List and explain at least three benefits of breastfeeding for each of the following. As a new mom, you deserve support no matter how you decide to feed your baby. While breastfeeding beyond 6 months, a baby should receive foods with breast milk until the age of 2 or older. Among its other known health benefits are some protection against common childhood infections and better survival during a babys first year. Program lmplementation guide 7 breastfeeding rates at six and 12 months anstey et al. The american academy of pediatrics recommends that infants be exclusively breastfed for about the first 6 months with continued breastfeeding alongside introduction of complementary foods for at least 1 year. However, the results showed neither significant benefit for growth nor. Some of the nutrients in breast milk also help protect your infant against some common childhood illnesses and infections. The cognitive benefit of breastfeeding american academy.
Some of the advantages of exclusive breastfeeding include. Breastfeeding has many health benefits for both the mother and infant. Exclusive breastfeeding for 45 months reduces the risk in babies of suffering from malocclusion, which is the misalignment of the teeth and dental arches. The death of an estimated 820,000 children under the age of five could be prevented globally with increased breastfeeding, experts say.
Breastfeeding reduces the need for costly health services that must be paid for by insurers, government agencies, or families. The benefits of breastfeeding for both mother and baby. There is a lower incidence of breast cancer among breastfed infants. There are few exposures that have such a multitude of positive health benefits. Breastfeeding gives babies the best start for a healthy life and has benefits for the health and wellbeing of mothers and babies. Advantages of breastfeeding breastfeeding helps bonding and development helps delay a new pregnancy protects mothers health zcosts less than artificial feeding breast milk perfect nutrients easily digested. Exclusive breastfeeding and associated factors among. Pdf the advantages and disadvantages of breastfeeding for.
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