[01] Ayesha Nadeem, Nishter Medical College, Multan, Punjab, Pakistan. [02] Jaweria Nadeem, Nishter Medical College, Multan, Punjab, Pakistan. [03] Muhammad Haroon Sarwar, Punjab Medical College (P. M. C.), Allied Hospital, Faisalabad, Punjab, Pakistan. [04] Muhammad Sarwar, National Institute for Biotechnology & Genetic Engineering (NIBGE), Faisalabad, Punjab, Pakistan.

Over the past few decades, evidence for the health advantages of breastfeeding and recommendations for practice have been continued to increase. This article documents the advantages of exclusive breastfeeding along with important immediate and long-term health benefits for women. Breastfeeding contributes to the health and well-being of mothers, it helps to space children, reduces the risk of ovarian cancer and breast cancer, increases family and national resources, is a secure way of feeding and safe for the environment. Mothers who breastfeed have a reduced risk of type-2 diabetes and certain cancers such as breast cancer, may find it easier to return to what they weighed before they got pregnant, and strengthen the bond with their children. The hormone oxytocin released during breastfeeding, acts to return the uterus to its regular size more quickly and can reduce postpartum bleeding. Lactation provides a hypo-estrogenic effect to offer a protective effect from endometrial cancer, and decreases the risk and incidence of thyroid cancer, lupus, and hip fractures. An extensive body of research has demonstrated that mothers and other caregivers require active support for establishing and sustaining appropriate breastfeeding practices. While breastfeeding is a natural act, it is also a learned behaviour to strengthen maternity practices to support breastfeeding. The extensive body of research contributes to improve the establishment of exclusive breastfeeding worldwide and coupled with support throughout the health system, can help mothers to sustain exclusive breastfeeding. To enable mothers to establish and sustain exclusive breastfeeding for six months, it is recommend the initiation of breastfeeding within the first hour of baby’s life. Exclusive breastfeeding that is the infant only receives breastmilk without any additional food or drinks not even water, is as often as the child wants day and night, and there should be no use of bottles, teats or pacifiers. Some helpful hints are start breastfeeding soon after birth and breastfeed frequently 8 to 12 times in a 24 hour period. Hold baby skin-to-skin with mom and keep baby with her in the hospital after birth. Give only breast milk to baby and do not give a pacifier or bottle until breastfeeding is well established. It is very important that moms should maintain regular meals when breastfeeding to gain essential nutrients and also to increase breastmilk levels.

Human Milk, Healthy Nutrition, Breast Milk, Breastfeeding, Women Health

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