Breast-feeding leads to weight loss – WHO

By SAMUEL P. MEDENILLA

January 29, 2011, 9:47pm

MANILA, Philippines —  Breast-feeding could lead not only to a healthier baby but also to a sexier mommy.

A recent statement from the World Health Organization (WHO) said exclusive breast-feeding for mothers for six months could contribute to rapid maternal weight loss and delay in the return of their menstrual periods after giving birth.

The report also shows that an inclusive breast-feeding of infants could lower their risk of being afflicted with gastro- intestinal infection compared to those who only receive mother’s milk for three to four months.

“WHO recommends mothers worldwide to exclusively breast-feed infants for the child's first six months to achieve optimal growth, development, and health. Thereafter, they should be given nutritious complementary foods and continue breast-feeding up to the age of two years or beyond,” WHO said.

However, the study said that babies, who have been exclusively breast-fed for six months have no adverse effect in the reduction of their risks to develop infections or allergies. 

The statement is based on the findings of Kakuma Kramer’s report last 2009, regarding the optimal duration of exclusive breast-feeding.

It includes two controlled experiment groups together, supported by 18 other countries.

WHO made the statement to support its campaign to promote breast- feeding after a National Demographic Health Survey in 2003 showed a low breast-feeding rate among mothers in the Philippines