Exclusively Breastfeeding Babies Until 6 Mos. Sharply Improves Their Immune Systems, Agree Experts
August 3, 2009 Kyriaki (Sandy) Venetis 
Photo courtesy of the Pennsylvania Depart. of Health.
There is always a lot of uproar about whether there should be breastfeeding in public or not, but what there’s no doubt about is that it’s the best way to insure optimal health in infancy and later in life, according to global health agencies now in the midst of celebrating World Breastfeeding Week.
“This year’s theme stresses the importance of breastfeeding as a life-saving intervention, especially during emergencies,” said Dr. Margaret Chan, director general of the World Health Organization.
“In all situations, the best way of preventing malnutrition and mortality among infants and young children is to ensure that they start breastfeeding within one hour of birth, and breastfeed exclusively, with no food or liquid other than breast milk (not even water) until six months of age,” said Chan, adding that mothers should “continue breastfeeding with appropriate complementary foods up to two years or beyond.”