Breastfeeding: A Global Perspective on Infant Health and Nutrition
Breastfeeding is more than just a method of feeding an infant; it's a global health strategy with profound impacts on both mother and child. The World Health Organization (WHO) and UNICEF, international bodies advocating for maternal and child health, have established guidelines and strategies to protect and promote breastfeeding worldwide.
The WHO and UNICEF Recommendations on Breastfeeding
The WHO and UNICEF recommend initiating breastfeeding within the first hour after birth and exclusive breastfeeding for the first six months. Exclusive breastfeeding means that the infant receives only breastmilk (including expressed breastmilk or from a wet nurse) and nothing else, except for Oral Rehydration Salts (ORS), medicines, vitamins, and minerals. After six months, they recommend continued breastfeeding for two years or more, together with safe, nutritionally adequate, age-appropriate, responsive complementary feeding.
The Global Impact of Breastfeeding
Optimal breastfeeding of infants under two years of age has the greatest potential impact on child survival of all preventive interventions. It has the potential to prevent over 800,000 deaths (13% of all deaths) in children under five in the developing world. But despite its benefits, only 39% of children less than six months of age are exclusively breastfed globally.
The Role of Healthcare Providers
Healthcare providers play a crucial role in promoting and supporting breastfeeding. They can help protect infants and their mothers from marketing influences that can compromise breastfeeding, provide accurate information about breastfeeding, and offer support to mothers who may face challenges. They can also help ensure that formula products use safe labeling with factual information and preparation instructions for those who choose to formula feed.
The Baby-Friendly Hospital Initiative
The Baby-Friendly Hospital Initiative (BFHI) is a global initiative of the WHO and UNICEF that aims to give every baby the best start in life by creating a healthcare environment that supports breastfeeding as the norm. The BFHI implements the Ten Steps to Successful Breastfeeding and aims to end the distribution of free and low-cost supplies of breastmilk substitutes to health facilities.
Breastfeeding is a global health strategy that benefits both mothers and infants. It requires support from healthcare providers, family members, and society at large. By understanding the global perspective on breastfeeding, we can better appreciate its importance and work towards creating a world where every mother who chooses to breastfeed is supported in her journey.
