Breastfeeding, nature’s gift for infant growth and development

Abstract

Exclusive breastfeeding (BF) is the best feeding option for infants under 6 months of age. After this age, complementary feeding with other solid foods and liquids is advised for 1 to 2 years in addition to breast milk or formula. It is well established that BF has physical and emotional health benefits for both mother and child, as it has been demonstrated that it improves long-term neurological development, decreases the incidence of chronic diseases such as obesity, and stimulates the immune system function in children, while also reducing sleep deprivation in mothers and strengthening the mother-child relationship.1

Keywords

• Pediatrics
• Children
• Breastfeeding