Hi,everyone breastfeeding is a practice that has not changed with the advent of technology.For the normal mother breastfeeding still maintains its place as the foremost meal for the infant.
Recently there has been arguments as to the need for exclusive breastfeeding or the usual practice of supplementing with water.
The WHO[world health organisation]
recommends that infants be breastfed
exclusively for 6months before the introduction of supplemental feeds.
Why, you may ask,after all how can a normal human go without water for 6 months.
The reasons are varied:
Most other substances taken with breastmilk,after breastfeeding or before breastfeeding impede the absorption of iron which is contained in breastmilk and needed for the buliding of red blood cells for the infant.Red blood cells are essential components of blood.
Water, which most times is given to these infants, may be contaminated leading to the development of diarrheal diseases,which is among the greatest causes of infant mortality.
Breastmilk contains adequate antibodies to help the infant fight infections,and these would not need any interference from fluids administered by overzealous mothers.
My submission:
Exclusive breastfeeding involves administering breastmilk ONLY to the infant for the first 6 months of life.
cheers!!