Breastfeeding Protects Infants From Childhood Illnesses — Experts
As World Breastfeeding Week is observed, medical experts have urged mothers to breastfeed their babies, as breast milk provides infants with needed nutrients.
The World Health Organisation (WHO) recommends exclusive breastfeeding, starting within one hour after birth until a baby is six months old. Nutritious complementary foods should then be added, while continuing to breastfeed for up to two years or beyond.
However, statistics have shown that three in five babies are not well breastfed in the first hour of life, though breastfeeding within this period is critical for saving newborn’s lives.
According to WHO, under-nutrition is associated with 2.7 million child deaths yearly or 45 per cent of all child deaths. The body said infant and young child feeding is a key area to improve child survival and promote healthy growth and development.
Read more at: https://guardian.ng/features/tweaking-labour-policies-for-maternal-frien...