How important is exclusive breastfeeding?
Breast milk contains antibodies that help your baby fight off viruses and bacteria. Breastfeeding lowers your baby’s risk of having asthma or allergies. Plus, babies who are breastfed exclusively for the first 6 months, without any formula, have fewer ear infections, respiratory illnesses, and bouts of diarrhea.
How long is exclusive breastfeeding?
The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that infants be exclusively breastfed for about the first 6 months with continued breastfeeding along with introducing appropriate complementary foods for 1 year or longer.
What is the definition of exclusive breastfeeding?
Exclusive breastfeeding means feeding your baby only breast milk, not any other foods or liquids (including infant formula or water), except for medications or vitamin and mineral supplements.
How do you promote exclusive breastfeeding?
Top Ten Ways to Encourage Breastfeeding
- Have a written breastfeeding policy that is routinely communicated to all health care staff.
- Train all health care staff in skills necessary to implement this policy.
- Inform all pregnant women about the benefits and management of breastfeeding.
Is exclusive breastfeeding possible?
Breast milk is the best nutritional choice for babies. But in some cases, breastfeeding (or exclusive breastfeeding) isn’t possible or an option. What’s best for your baby’s health and happiness is, in large part, whatever works for your family.
What are the types of exclusive breastfeeding?
Exclusive Breastfeeding
- A baby who only receives breast milk directly from the breast.
- A baby who nurses at the breast and receives pumped breast milk from a bottle.
- A baby who only receives pumped breast milk from a bottle.
What are the three types of breastfeeding?
The Basics of Breastfeeding Breast milk has three different and distinct stages: colostrum, transitional milk, and mature milk.