Breastfeeding

1. Breastmilk alone is the only food and drink an infant needs for the first six months. No other food or drink, not even water, is usually needed during this period. (Supporting Information)
2. There is a risk that a woman infected with HIV can pass the disease on to her infant through breastfeeding. Women who are infected or suspect that they may be infected should consult a trained health worker for testing, counselling and advice on how to reduce the risk of infecting the child. (Supporting Information)
3. Newborn babies should be kept close to their mothers and begin breastfeeding within one hour of birth. (Supporting Information)
4. Frequent breastfeeding causes more milk to be produced. Almost every mother can breastfeed successfully. (Supporting Information)
5. Breastfeeding helps protect babies and young children against dangerous illnesses. It also creates a special bond between mother and child. (Supporting Information)
6. Bottle-feeding can lead to illness and death. If a woman cannot breastfeed her infant, the baby should be fed breastmilk or a breastmilk substitute from an ordinary clean cup. (Supporting Information)
7. From the age of six months, babies need a variety of additional foods, but breastfeeding should continue through the child's second year and beyond. (Supporting Information)
8. A woman employed away from her home can continue to breastfeed her child if she breastfeeds as often as possible when she is with the infant. (Supporting Information)
9. Exclusive breastfeeding can give a woman more than 98 per cent protection against pregnancy for six months after giving birth – but only if her menstrual periods have not resumed, if her baby breastfeeds frequently day and night, and if the baby is not given any other food or drinks, or a pacifier or dummy. (Supporting Information)