This is the reason for the importance of exclusive breastfeeding programs

ASI (ASI) is the most easily digested nutritional supplement in infants with an imperfect digestive system. Because breast milk contains a balanced diet that is needed by the baby, especially for growth and development in the first six months. Therefore, it is recommended for mothers to breastfeed exclusively for the first six months of the baby's age. With exclusive breastfeeding, babies are not given food or other drinks, including drinking water.

So, how long does the ideal baby feed? What are the benefits of exclusive breastfeeding for babies?

Exclusive breastfeeding period
Basically, the duration of breastfeeding depends on the condition of the mother and child. However, in accordance with the recommendations of the World Health Organization (WHO), mothers are advised to breastfeed exclusively for the first six months of their babies and continue until the age of two years. , accompanied by a complementary diet (MPASI). Below are the benefits of exclusive breastfeeding based on the time of administration.

Postpartum Day:

If a mother feeds her baby within a few days, she will receive her mother's colostrum. Colostrum will become an antibody and build a natural immune system for babies.

During the first 4-6 weeks:

Exclusive breastfeeding during this period is very beneficial for the growth and development of infants and facilitate digestion.

During the first 3-4 months:

Breastfeeding during this time will make the baby's digestive system more mature. Thus, babies are more receptive to foreign foods that enter the body.

During the first six months:

Breastfeeding during the first 6 months without adding food or drink can reduce the risk of infection in infants, such as: ear infections, respiratory infections, digestive tract infections, and even cancer.

During the first 9 months:

Breastfeeding during the first nine months of the baby's age can improve brain development.
During the first year:

If the baby receives exclusive breastfeeding in the first year, his immune system will be stronger.

During the first 18 months:
Babies who receive breast milk during this period will have more nutrition, comfort, and protection from disease than babies who are weaned.

The period of breastfeeding for a baby also depends on the state and volume of milk production. The amount of milk produced is dependent on the frequency of breastfeeding. The more often you breastfeed, the more prolactin hormone will be released. This hormone affects the production of breast milk. Non-smooth milk production at the beginning of breastfeeding can be overcome by increasing the frequency of breastfeeding. Then, what are the benefits of regular breastfeeding?

Benefits of exclusive breastfeeding programs for mothers and babies
Breast milk is very rich in food juices and nutrients that are beneficial for babies. Some of the benefits of exclusive breastfeeding for infants, for example:

Increase baby's intelligence
Reduce the risk of heart disease
Reduce the risk of obesity
Reduce the risk of cancer
Reducing the risk of respiratory and digestive tract infections
Make the baby more calm and not easily agitated for a long time
Reduce the risk of allergies

For mothers, breastfeeding can:

Alternative natural contraception because it can delay the fertile period
Losing weight after giving birth
Reducing the risk of cervical cancer and breast cancer
Reduce the risk of getting human papillomavirus (HPV), which can cause cervical cancer

If you still have barriers to breastfeeding your baby, you can discuss it with a breastfeeding consultant or midwife.