breastfeed

Breastfeeding is the act of feeding a baby with breast milk from the mother's breasts, or with expressed milk from the breast. It can be started soon after birth and may continue for as long as the infant and parent choose, with varying practices across cultures and health systems.

Health organizations commonly recommend exclusive breastfeeding for the first six months, meaning no other foods or drinks are given except breast milk. After six months, complementary foods are introduced while continuing breastfeeding for up to one to two years or longer, depending on factors such as maternal choice and infant health.

Breastfeeding offers several potential benefits. For the infant, breast milk supplies complete nutrition and contains antibodies and bioactive components that help protect against infections and may influence long-term health. For the mother, breastfeeding can aid postpartum recovery, may reduce the risk of certain cancers and other diseases, and can help with birth spacing.

Breastfeeding can occur directly at the breast or with expressed milk fed by a caregiver. Proper latch and positioning promote effective feeding and reduce irritation. Common challenges include nipple soreness, engorgement, and milk supply concerns, which can often be addressed with guidance from healthcare providers or lactation consultants.

Safety considerations include that if expressing milk, proper hygiene and storage are important; rules vary by country. Breastfeeding is not recommended in a few situations, such as certain maternal infections or medications, or when the infant has a medical condition affecting feeding; professional advice should be sought. Supportive policies and education from healthcare providers, lactation consultants, and community programs help families sustain breastfeeding.