1/2007The role of breastfeeding in promoting health

WILLY KISITU (Ist Department of Pediatrics, Allergy and Cardiology – Wroclaw Medical University, Poland, Head: prof. dr hab. med. Andrzej Boznański)

Summary
Better understanding of the composition of breast milk and its value for a baby implied that breast-feeding has got incorporated into public health recommendations. The benefits of breastfeeding are not limited only to the baby but extend also to the mother and entire society. Therefore different approaches have been taken to promote it as the basic nutritional standard for infants at least for the first 6 months of life. One of such approaches is creation of so called Baby Friendly Hospital Initiative (BFHI).

Key words: breastfeeding, nutrition, children, health promotion, public health