The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends exclusive breastfeeding for the first six months and continued breastfeeding as foods are added between six months and one year.

A World Health Assembly resolution recommends exclusive breastfeeding for the first six months and timely introduction of appropriate foods. (www.euro.who.int/eprise/main/WHO/Progs/NUT/Infant/20020730_1)

The World Health Organization: “Breastfeeding is an unequalled way of providing ideal food for the healthy growth and development of infants. As a global public health recommendation, infants should be exclusively breastfed for the first six months of life to achieve optimal growth, development and health.…

“Even though it is a natural act, breastfeeding is also a learned behavior. Virtually all mothers can breastfeed provided they have accurate information, and support within their families and communities and from the health care system. They should also have access to skilled practical help from, for example, trained health workers, lay and peer counselors, and certified lactation consultants, who can help to build mothers’ confidence, improve feeding technique, and prevent or resolve breastfeeding problems.”
(www.who.int/nutrition/publications/gs_infant_feeding_text_eng.pdf)

Former United States Surgeon General David Satcher, MD: “Breastfeeding is one of the most important contributors to infant health. Breastfeeding provides a range of benefits for the infant’s growth, immunity, and development. In addition, breastfeeding improves maternal health and contributes economic benefits to the family, health care system, and workplace.”
(http://www.cdc.gov/breastfeeding/spotlight.htm)

William Dietz, MD, PhD, Director, Division of Nutrition and Physical Activity, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: “Breast milk is already acknowledged as the best food for infants. The increased initiation and duration of breastfeeding may also provide a low-cost, readily viable strategy to help prevent childhood and adolescent obesity.”