Breastfeeding provides the ideal nutrition for a baby and provides many health benefits for both mother and baby.  In fact, breast milk has disease-fighting antibodies that can help protect infants from several types of illnesses and is possibly the most important way of ensuring health and survival. Studies confirm that women who have breastfeed their children have lower risks of major health conditions such as ovarian cancer, breast cancer and type 2 diabetes.  Breastfeeding has also been linked to lower rates of obesity and has been found to help women return to their pre-pregnancy weight faster. A Global DeficiencyGlobally less than 40 per cent of infants under six months of age are exclusively breastfed according to the World Health Organization (WHO).   Adequate breastfeeding support for mothers and families could save many young lives through improving the best source of nourishment for infants and young children – breast milk. Breast milk is readily available and affordable, which helps to ensure that infants get adequate sustenance.  WHO strongly recommends exclusive breastfeeding for the first six months of life. At six months, other foods should complement breastfeeding for up to two years or more. In addition:• breastfeeding should begin within an hour of birth• breastfeeding should be "on demand”, as often as the child wants day and night• bottles or pacifiers should be avoided. Breastfeeding Protects BabiesA recent study by the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences showed that children who are breastfed have a 20 percent lower risk of dying between the ages of 28 days and 1 year than children who weren’t breastfed, with longer breastfeeding associated with lower risk.Breast milk is very rich in nutrients and antibodies that a child would not receive any other way.  Diarrhea, ear infections, pneumonia and other devastating infantile conditions can be greatly reduced by simply breastfeeding.  Breast milk is also very easy to digest and readily absorbed in comparison to artificial formulasA strong correlation has been found between breastfeeding and a lifetime of good health.  Adults who were breastfed as babies often have lower blood pressure, cholesterol, rates of obesity and type-2 diabetes.  Breastfeeding can also protect against the development of allergies and other immune system related conditions.  Is Infant Formula Bad?Infant formula does not contain any of the necessary antibodies found in breast milk. One of the most common challenges that can put a child at risk is how the formula is prepared.  Risk factors include unsafe water, unsterilized equipment and bacteria laced powdered formulas.Severe malnutrition can result from not breastfeeding, over-relying and over-diluting the formula.  Breastfeeding is the most cost-efficient way to nourish a child as long as the breast milk supply lasts.  HIV & BreastfeedingHIV is a growing concern throughout the world and proactive steps must be taken to reduce the risk of mother-child transmission.  A mother can pass the infection during pregnancy, delivery and through breastfeeding.  Antiretroviral (ARV) intervention can significantly reduce the risk of transmission through breast feeding.How Long Should I Breastfeed?It is important to add complementary foods as the child continues to grow at six months of age and beyond.  Breastfeeding should not be replaced or decreased with the addition of food.  Children require the nutrients and antibodies found in breast milk for the first two years or more. Breastfeeding is the most important health-building and disease-fighting strategy for mothers and children alike.  Consult with your healthcare professional for specific recommendations on how to incorporate this cost-effective and life-saving strategy.  This column is directed by your questions, comments and inquiries.  The health advice provided is in collaboration with the World Health Organization’s goals of prevention, maintenance and natural treatment of disease.   The advice is for educational purposes and does not necessarily reflect endorsement.www.afro.who.int"Like” our Facebook page: The Dr Health Show