Breastfeeding, also known as nursing, is the feeding of babies and young children with milk from a woman's breast.
If breastfeeding were scaled up to near universal levels, about 820,000 child lives would be saved every year. Globally, only 40% of infants under six months of age are exclusively breastfed.
FACTS ON BREASTFEEDING
Fact 1: Breastfeeding for the first six months is crucial.
Fact 2: Breastfeeding protects infants from childhood illnesses.
Fact 3: Breastfeeding also benefits mothers.
Fact 4: Breastfeeding has long-term benefits for children.
Fact 5: Infant formula does not contain the antibodies found in breast milk.
Fact 6: Transmission of HIV through breastfeeding can be reduced with drugs.
Fact 7: Marketing of breast-milk substitutes are highly monitored.
Fact 8: Support for mothers is essential.
Fact 9: Mothers should continue breastfeeding at work.
Fact 10: Solid foods should be phased in at six months.[b][/b]