Baby feeding Only 40 percent of babies are breastfed exclusively

Only 40 percent of babies are exclusively breastfed in the first six months
Although breastfeeding has many health benefits for the development of children, only about forty percent of all babies are exclusively breastfed in the first six months of their lives. "No country in the world meets the recommended standards for breastfeeding," says the World Health Organization (WHO).

Ideal composition of nutrients
Breastfeeding is considered to be the best nutrition for a baby, because in breast milk are in optimal composition all the nutrients that the child needs in the first few months of life. Scientific research has shown that breastfeeding is positive for the development of the child's immune system. In addition, breastfeeding, according to studies, protect against allergies and reduce the risk of diseases such as type 2 diabetes. Still, many mothers breastfeed their baby way too short, too rarely or not at all.

A recent study has shown that only 40 percent of babies worldwide are breastfed exclusively for the first six months. Although breastfeeding brings many health benefits to both child and mother. (Image: juan_aunion / fotolia.com)

Only 40 percent of babies are breastfed exclusively
"No country in the world meets the recommended standards for breastfeeding," writes the World Health Organization (WHO) in a recent release.

The organization refers to a study produced by a global breastfeeding initiative jointly led by the WHO and the UN Child Protection Organization (UNICEF).

The study, which evaluated data from 194 nations, shows that only about 40 percent of all babies under the age of six months are exclusively breastfed.

Health benefits for children and mothers
According to WHO, research shows that breastfeeding has both cognitive and health benefits for both children and their mothers.

It is especially important during the first six months of life. It helps prevent diarrhea and pneumonia, two major causes of infant deaths.

And mothers who breastfeed have a reduced risk of ovarian and breast cancer. In addition, a study has shown that breastfeeding protects mothers from cardiovascular disease in the long term.

Protection against potentially fatal infections
"Breastfeeding gives babies the best possible start in life," said the chief of the World Health Organization. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus.

"Breast milk is like the first vaccine for the child, it protects the baby from potentially fatal infections and gives him all the food it needs to survive and thrive."

Far too little is invested in breastfeeding worldwide. UNICEF Director Anthony Lake said: "Breastfeeding is one of the most effective and cost-effective investments that nations can make in the health of their youngest members and the future health of their economies and societies." (Ad)