MONDAY, Feb. 27 (HealthDay News) -- Breast-feeding exclusively
is recommended for a baby's first six months of life, followed by
continued breast-feeding along with food until a baby is at least
12 months old, the American Academy of Pediatrics reaffirms in a
new policy statement.
After 12 months, breast-feeding can continue as long as both
mother and baby want to do it, according to the statement published
online Feb. 27 and in the March print issue of
Pediatrics.
Along with being a natural and beneficial source of nutrition
that provides the healthiest start in life for an infant,
breast-feeding also promotes bonding between mother and child, the
AAP says.
The health benefits of breast-feeding include protection against
respiratory illness, ear infections, gastrointestinal diseases,
asthma and the skin condition eczema.
Breast-fed infants are more than one-third less likely to die of
sudden infant death syndrome and are 15 to 30 percent less likely
to become obese teens and adults, according to the AAP.
An academy news release says that "choosing to breast-feed
should be considered an investment in the short- and long-term
health of the infant, rather than a lifestyle choice."
More information
The U.S. National Institute of Child Health and Human
Development has more about
breast-feeding.