ΔΙΚΤΥΟΔΡΑΣΗΣΓΙΑΤΗΝΒΡΕΦΙΚΗΚΑΙΠΑΙΔΙΚΗΔΙΑΤΡΟΦΗIBFANΕΛΛΑΔΑΣ.docVIP

Breastfeeding beyond the first year of life; benefits for the child, the mother and for the society Scientific Committee, IBFAN Greece Papaventsis Stelios Karagkiozoglou Thomai INTERNATIONAL BABY FOOD ACTION NETWORK GREECE Abstract A review was undertaken to look at current evidence on breastfeeding beyond the first year of life. The World Health Organization recommends exclusive breastfeeding for 6 months, followed by ?introduction of solid food, together with continuing breastfeeding for up to 2 years or beyond, for as long as it is mutually desired by mother and child. We highlight evidence on benefits of continued breastfeeding beyond the first year of life for the health of the child, the health of the mother and for the society. An increasing number of large population studies confirm a dose - response relationship between the duration of breastfeeding and childs and mothers health. Longer duration of lactation - for years - in a womans lifetime seems to be a protective factor for many chronic diseases of later age. Contrary to popular belief, there seems to be no reliable evidence on possible harm of continued breastfeeding on childs health, particularly on his psychological development or his dentition. Finally, we discuss the likely underestimation of the significance of continued breastfeeding in current scientific literature and the need for further, independent research. Breastfeeding is the norm for older infants and toddlers and a global public health imperative. Health professionals have a key role to play in resisting myths and cultural views that contradict and impede up to date evidence-based practice and guidance. According to the recommendations of the World Health Organization, infants should breastfeed exclusively for the first six months of life, continuing breastfeeding thereafter, together with introduction of solid foods, until at least the end of their 2nd year of life1. Breastfeeding is the natural choice in infant and young child nutrit