As we all know, breastfeeding is one of the most effective measures to ensure the health and survival of children. Therefore, we have recommended some general knowledge about breastfeeding for you to know together. Globally, the exclusive breastfeeding rate of infants up to 6 months is less than 40%. Providing adequate breastfeeding counseling and support is essential for mothers and their families to initiate and maintain optimal breastfeeding practices. Common Sense I WHO recommends exclusive breastfeeding for the first 6 months of life. at 6 months, breastfeeding should be complemented by the inclusion of solid foods such as paste fruits and vegetables until 2 years of age or beyond. Common sense II Benefits to infant health. Breastmilk is safe and contains antibodies that help infants fight common infant diseases – such as diarrheal disease and pneumonia, two diseases that cause infant deaths worldwide. Breastmilk is directly available, affordable and helps ensure that infants receive adequate nutrition. Common sense III Benefits to the mother. Breastfeeding also has benefits for the mother. It reduces the risk of breast and ovarian cancer in subsequent life stages, and helps women return to their pre-pregnancy weight more quickly and reduce the incidence of obesity. Long-term benefits for children. In addition to the immediate benefits for children, breastfeeding is beneficial for good health throughout life. Adolescents and adults who were breastfed as children are less likely to be overweight or obese. They are less likely to develop type 2 diabetes and perform better on intelligence tests. Common sense 5 Why not use powdered infant formula? Powdered infant formula does not contain the antibodies present in breast milk. If powdered infant formula is not prepared properly, it can pose certain dangers due to the use of unsafe water and unsterilized equipment or due to bacteria that may be present in powdered formula. Over-dilution of powdered formula to increase its duration of use can lead to malnutrition. In addition, regular breastfeeding can maintain the duration of breast milk. Common sense VI HIV and breastfeeding. HIV-infected mothers can acquire the infection during pregnancy, at delivery, and through breastfeeding. Antiretroviral drug interventions for mothers or for HIV-exposed infants can reduce the risk of transmission. Together, breastfeeding and antiretroviral drug interventions can greatly improve an infant’s chances of survival while keeping him or her free of HIV infection. In 1981, an international code was adopted to regulate the marketing of breast milk substitutes. It requires that: – All powdered formula be labeled and informed about the benefits of breastfeeding and the health risks of using substitutes; – No promotion of breast milk substitutes; – No free samples of substitutes to pregnant women, mothers or their families; – No distribution of free or subsidized substitutes to health workers Do not distribute free or subsidized substitutes to health workers or health institutions. Common Sense VIII: Support for mothers is necessary. Breastfeeding requires learning, and many women experience many difficulties at the beginning of feeding. Common situations are: sore nipples; concern that the amount of breast milk is not enough to sustain the baby’s needs. In order to provide support and improve the level of care for mothers and newborns, “baby-friendly” institutions have been established in approximately 152 countries under the influence of the WHO and UNICEF Baby-Friendly Hospital Initiative. Common sense IX Work and breastfeeding. Many mothers give up breastfeeding completely or partially when they return to work because there is not enough time or place for breastfeeding, expressing and storing breast milk. Mothers need a safe, clean and private place to continue breastfeeding at or near work. What can help is to create favorable conditions at work, such as paid maternity leave, part-time jobs, local nurseries, facilities for expressing and storing breast milk, etc. Common sense: Gradually add solid foods. To meet the growing needs of 6-month-olds, paste-like solid foods should be added to complement ongoing breastfeeding. Complementary foods for infants can be prepared specifically or can be made from the family diet. WHO tips: – Breastfeeding should not be reduced when solids are introduced; – Spoons or cups should be used for feeding rather than bottles; – Food should be clean, safe, and locally available; – Young children need adequate time to learn to eat solids time. In addition, breastfeeding should be initiated within the first hour of life; breastfeeding should be done “as needed” and children should be fed as soon as needed during the day and night; and no bottles or comfort pacifiers should be used. Of course, the World Health Organization only recommends, and does not require everyone to breastfeed, so moms and dads can choose to adjust according to their own situation.