Breastfeeding after six months: A forgotten but revitalized global issue

Purpose: The safest manner of fluid intake in the first year(s) of life is consumption of human milk which is clean, includes anti-infective factors as well as appropriate hormones and living cells. Programming in support of breastfeeding has concentrated on the important issues of early initiation and exclusive breastfeeding for the first six months of life. This presentation will cover the rationale for increasing support for breastfeeding after 6 months of age. This is of particular concern as WHO and others are increasing emphasis on the frequency of complementary feeding in this age group without attention to frequency of breastfeeding.

Data/ information used: Recent systematic reviews and new WHO recommendations on complementary feeding are examined in terms of their potential impact on breastfeeding, and outcomes of a concurrent meeting in Penang on this issue will be presented.

Methods used: The literature on the impact of breastfeeding on maternal and child health after six months of child age is reviewed and outcomes of expert review are presented.

Major results: Active support for frequency of complementary foods without concomitant support for frequency of breastfeeding or quantity of human milk consumed can result in increased malnutrition in this age group.

Recommendations and policy implications: Protection of child health and well-being demands support and maintenance of breastfeeding after 6 months, reducing the possibility of contaminated water intake, and improving health and nutrition.