Breastfed is BEST fed

Breastfeeding is one of the most effective ways to ensure child health and survival.  It is the normal way of providing young infants with the nutrients they need for healthy growth and development.

Breast milk is safe, gives babies the nutrients they need and contains antibodies that help protect infants from common childhood illnesses. 

Globally, it is estimated that around 35 percent of infants aged 0-6 months are exclusively breastfed today, according to the World Health Organization (WHO). 

The WHO emphasizes that if all babies and young children were breastfed exclusively for their first six months of life and then given nutritious complementary food with continued breastfeeding up to two years of age, the lives of an additional 1.5 million children under five years would be saved every year.   

Thus, the WHO actively promotes breastfeeding as the best source of nourishment for infants and young children and it recommends to mothers worldwide to exclusively breastfeed infants for the child's first six months to achieve optimal growth, development and health.

After six months, babies should be given nutritious complementary foods and breastfed continuously up to the age of two years or beyond.

The 7^th National Nutrition Survey (NNS) conducted by the Food and Nutrition Research Institute of the Department of Science and Technology (FNRI-DOST) in 2008 reported that among infants 0-5 months old, only 36 percent were exclusively breastfed. Only 37 percent were breastfed at the same time given a complementary food, and as many as 27 percent of infants were given other milk and other foods. 

The 36 percent exclusive breastfeeding in 2008 was significantly higher compared with 2003 when only 29.7 percent of 0-5 month old infants were exclusively breastfed. 

However, the duration of exclusive breastfeeding decreased from 3 to 2.3 months in 2003 and 2008 respectively.

While breastfeeding gives babies a healthy start in life, it goes a long way, as an unknown author said “Breastfeeding is a gift that lasts a lifetime”. Let’s help ensure the adoption of the breastfeeding practice by encouraging all sectors to help promote, protect and support breastfeeding.

For more information on food and nutrition, contact: Dr. Mario V. Capanzana, Director, Food and Nutrition Research Institute, Department of Science and Technology, General Santos Avenue, Bicutan, Taguig City. E-mail: mcv@fnri.dost.gov.ph, Telefax: 837-2934 and 827-3164, or call: 8372071 local 2296 or visit our website: http://www.fnri.dost.gov.ph. (FNRI-DOST S & T Media Service: Press Release – MARIE T. BUGAS)