Breastmilk has been widely accepted as the gold standard for baby nutrition and confers several short-term and long-term benefits. Breast milk balances nutrients needed for rapid growth and development, especially during the first six months of life, and contains immune factors that protect against various infections and illnesses. Many studies have also shown that breastfed babies have a higher cognitive function and a lower risk of chronic diseases.
To maximize the benefits of breastfeeding, both the World Health Organization (WHO) and the American Academy of Paediatrics (AAP) recommend the following: