From the Guidelines
Breastfeeding is recommended for the first six months of life, with continued breastfeeding alongside complementary foods for up to two years or beyond, as supported by the most recent evidence from 1 and 1.
Key Recommendations
- Exclusive breastfeeding for approximately 6 months after birth, with complementary foods introduced at about 6 months, as recommended by the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) and the World Health Organization (WHO) 1.
- Continued breastfeeding, along with appropriate complementary foods, as long as mutually desired by mother and child for 2 years or beyond.
- Proper latch technique, with the baby's mouth covering much of the areola, not just the nipple, is essential for effective milk removal and to prevent nipple trauma.
- For mothers experiencing low milk supply, galactagogues like domperidone or metoclopramide may be used under medical supervision, while herbal supplements like fenugreek, blessed thistle, and fennel may also support milk production, although with less scientific evidence.
- Adequate hydration, nutrition, and rest are fundamental for milk production, and skin-to-skin contact stimulates hormones that promote milk production.
- Stress reduction techniques can help, as cortisol can inhibit oxytocin release, and breast massage before feeding and warm compresses can improve milk flow.
Benefits of Breastfeeding
- Breastfeeding protects against numerous severe infections, including enterocolitis, diarrhea, and pneumonia, and significantly reduces the rates of infant morbidity and mortality 1.
- It has long-term health benefits for both infant and mother, including reduced risk of developing later life metabolic disease, such as childhood obesity and diabetes.
- Breastfeeding also improves birth spacing, protects against breast cancer, and seems to protect against ovarian cancer and type 2 diabetes.
Environmental Impact
- Breastfeeding is considered environmentally sustainable and part of the triple-duty actions to address the global syndemic of obesity, undernutrition, and climate change 1.
- The production of commercial milk formula contributes to greenhouse gas emissions, and the introduction of complementary foods, including meats and dairy, also has an environmental impact.
Conclusion is not allowed, so the response will continue with more information.
Additional Considerations
- The WHO recommends exclusive breastfeeding for the first 6 months of life, with continued breastfeeding supplemented with complementary foods until the age of two years 1.
- National breastfeeding rates through the age of 2 years should be tracked, and data should be stratified by known breastfeeding disparities by national public health infrastructure 1.
- Pediatricians play a critical role in hospitals, their practices, and communities as advocates of breastfeeding and need to be trained about the benefits of breastfeeding for mothers and children and in managing breastfeeding 1.
From the Research
Current Recommendations for Breastfeeding
- Exclusive breastfeeding is recommended for the first six months of life, as it provides a dynamic and personalized nutrition source that drives developmental programming 2.
- The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) and the World Health Organization (WHO) recommend exclusive breastfeeding up to 6 months of age, followed by continued breastfeeding as complementary foods are introduced, with continuation of breastfeeding for 1 year or longer as mutually desired by mother and infant 3.
- Breastfeeding can make a significant contribution to promoting public health and thereby to reducing healthcare costs 4.
Benefits of Breastmilk
- Breastmilk contains a variety of immunomodulatory, anti-inflammatory, and antimicrobial substances that help to reduce short- and long-term morbidity risks and positively influence the child's cognitive and psychomotor development 4.
- Breastfeeding promotes brain development, especially of the white matter, and is associated with improved intelligence by about 2 IQ points 4.
- Breastfeeding provides numerous short- and long-term health benefits for both the baby and its mother, including reducing the risk of infectious and chronic diseases 5.
- The breast milk microbiota plays an important role in reducing the risk of developing chronic diseases like type 2 diabetes, asthma, and others later in life 6.
Management Strategies for Breastfeeding
- Proper treatment and instructions are crucial for a cure, for a successful duration of breastfeeding, and for preventing complications for mother and baby, especially in cases of mastitis 3.
- The choice of a proper treatment, such as drug treatment and supportive therapy, is essential for overcoming difficulties like mastitis and continuing breastfeeding 3.
- Helping the mother overcome difficulties and providing therapeutic instructions are crucial for a successful duration of breastfeeding and for preventing complications for mother and baby 3.