Breastfeeding is Normal

Breastfeeding is the most natural for human babies. We seem to have arrived at a phase in evolution, where the most natural and fundamentals of survival is under threat. According to WHO , 3 in 5 babies are not breastfed in the first hour of their life.

Breastfeeding within an hour after birth is critical for saving newborn lives. Further, exclusive breastfeeding for 6 months is the optimal way of feeding infants. Thereafter infants should receive complementary foods with continued breastfeeding up to 2 years of age or beyond.

We need more and more babies around the world to be breastfed; immediately after birth, exclusively till 6 months of age, and breastfed with gradual weaning by the two-three years of age.

As a society, we can support mothers choices by making sure that everyone has access to reliable information and create a positive environment so that breastfeeding mothers are encouraged and breastfeeding becomes the norm for the society.

Sharing some of the interesting articles on breastfeeding culture

1. A study on cultural views and practices related to breastfeeding
2. Stories of mothers feeding babies from Africa, Asia and US
3. Breastfeeding on Demand
4. Evolution of science weaning away breastfeeding
5. The wiki page on ‘History and culture of breastfeeding‘!

WHO Resources to promote breastfeeding

1. Promoting proper feeding for infants and young children
2. Complementary feeding
3. Ten steps to successful breastfeeding

 

 

Photo Credit :Jordan Whitt

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