Breastfeeding

Breastfeeding is presented as the optimal form of infant nutrition with benefits for infants and mothers. Breastfeeding decreases the risk of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS). Breastfeeding decreases the risk of gastrointestinal infections in infants. Breastfeeding supports optimal cognitive function and brain development in infants. Breastfeeding has been shown to significantly reduce a child's risk of developing obesity, diabetes, metabolic syndrome, asthma, and allergies. Breastfeeding while in ketosis has a self-regulating effect that makes ketosis easier to maintain, because glucose diverted to milk production lowers the carbohydrate threshold required for ketosis. Breastfeeding is a significant determinant of whether a child will develop chronic disease later in life. Breastfeeding reduces the risk of allergies developing in children. Breast milk delivers a full spectrum of nutrients beyond DHA. Skin-to-skin contact improves breastfeeding outcomes through multiple mutually reinforcing mechanisms. Longer skin-to-skin contact duration is associated with higher exclusive breastfeeding rates at discharge and after discharge. Global exclusive breastfeeding rates remain below t…