WHO > Health topics > Breastfeeding

Breastfeeding

A mother is breastfeeding an infant.

Breastfeeding is the ideal way of providing young infants with the nutrients they need for healthy growth and development. Virtually all mothers can breastfeed, provided they have accurate information, and the support of their family and the health care system. Colostrum, the yellowish, sticky breast milk produced at the end of pregnancy, is recommended by WHO as the perfect food for the newborn, and feeding should be initiated within the first hour after birth. Exclusive breastfeeding is recommended up to 6 months of age.

PUBLICATIONS

- Publications: infant feeding

RELATED LINKS

- Promoting proper feeding for infants and young children
- The WHO Global Data Bank on Breastfeeding and Complementary Feeding
- WHO Child Growth Standards
- Child and adolescent nutrition
- Nutrition
- Maternal and newborn health
- Breastfeeding and complementary feeding (Region of the Americas - PAHO)
- Breastfeeding (European Region)
- Infant and young child feeding (Western Pacific Region)

FEATURES

- Online Q&A: Up to what age can a baby stay well nourished by just being breastfed?