Holistic Approach to Studying the Mother – Breast Milk – Infant Triad
Infant Nutrition
Human milk is a key part of infant nutrition, providing all the energy and nutrients an infant needs for the first months of life,.
Essential vitamins and minerals, immunological components, and microbiota are found in breastmilk. These lower morbidity and mortality rates of the infant, while offering protective health benefits to the mother.
Child Development
A child’s future health and development depends on nutrition they receive in the early years of life. Malnutrition in the first two years can cause stunting, impaired intellectual performance, and reduced capacity for physical work in the long-term.
Appropriate breastfeeding practices provide a window of opportunity for children’s growth and development. UNICEF and the World Health Organisation (WHO) recommend:
Exclusive breastfeeding for 6 months (infant receives only breastmilk)
Complementary feeding with nutritionally safe and adequate foods or drinks from 6 months up to 2 years and beyond
Supporting Mothers
Despite the benefits of breastfeeding and the recommendations of the WHO and UNICEF, breastfeeding initiation and continuation rates remain low. This remains a problem particularly in low- and middle-income settings.
Mothers struggle with a lack of knowledge about appropriate breastfeeding practices, poor family and social support, needing to return to work to support her family, cultural norms on breastfeeding in public, promotion of infant formula, and many more.