Breast-feeding bonds mother and child

Breastmilk is the perfect food for infants

Mother's milk is the best food for infants and it contains all the nutrients required for the growing and developing baby in the right proportions. Mothers should be instructed on how to prepare for and maintain lactation and about the importance of good maternal nutrition. Breast-feeding should be initiated immediately after birth or within one hour of delivery.

Breast-feeding is a baby's first immunisation

Breastmilk and especially colostrum is rich with antibodies and live cells that protect infants from bacteria and viral pathogens.

Breast-feeding saves lives

Overall it is estimated that if more mothers were to breastfeed optimally, an additional 2 million infant lives can be saved each year.

Breast-feeding saves money

It is one of the most cost effective child health survival measures. Breast-feeding is an economic plus for families, hospitals, communities and nations. Working mothers should also be encouraged to continue breast-feeding even after they resume their full-time jobs.

Important Notice: Pregnant women and new mothers should be informed of the benefits and superiority of breast-feeding. Mothers should receive guidance for proper maternal nutrition and that the decision to avoid or discontinue breast-feeding may be hard to reverse. The introduction of partial bottle-feeding may have a negative effect on breast-feeding. Inappropriate infant feeding practices should be avoided so breast-feeding is not discouraged. Mothers should be advised of the social and financial implications of the decision to formula feed and the importance to the health of the infant to use infant formula properly. Mothers are recommended to seek professional advice when they are unable to breast-feed.