Hi Libby,

You asked about the WHO recommendations about breastfeeding for the first
two years.  Kathy D. responded with a link to the WHO information.  I have
also seen these recommendations in a wonderful, small book published and
distributed by UNICEF entitled Facts for Life.  This document can be found
at http://www.unicef.org/ffl/FFLRIGHT.HTM .  Specifically, go to the section
on Breastfeeding at http://www.unicef.org/ffl/BF.HTM and you will find the
statement that "A variety of additional foods is necessary when a child is
about six months old, but breastfeeding should continue well into the second
year of a child's life and for longer if possible."  Further, the supporting
information which accompanies this statement is wonderful in terms of
educating people about the benefits (including the nutritive value) of
breastfeeding beyond one year.

For example, the document states that "Although children need additional
foods after about the first six months of life, breastmilk is still an
important source of energy and protein, and other nutrients such as vitamin
A, and helps to protect against disease during the child's second year of
life."  And "babies get ill frequently as they learn to crawl, walk, and
play. A child who is ill needs breastmilk. It provides a nutritious, easily
digestible food when the child loses appetite for other foods. "

Further, according to UNICEF, "Between the ages of one and two, a baby
benefits from breastmilk as well as needing family foods. Breastfeeding is
good for the child as part of a meal, or between meals, or whenever the
child feels hungry. But at this time, all children need other foods. In the
second year of life, breastfeeding should be an addition to, not a
substitute for, normal meals."  And finally, it says, "Breastfeeding also
comforts a child when he or she is frightened, hurt, angry, or tearful."
The fact that breastfeeding can be helpful in child spacing is also
mentioned.

Sara Dodder Furr, breastfeeding advocate and volunteer
Lincoln, Nebraska

             ***********************************************
The LACTNET mailing list is powered by L-Soft's renowned
LISTSERV(R) list management software together with L-Soft's LSMTP(TM)
mailer for lightning fast mail delivery. For more information, go to:
http://www.lsoft.com/LISTSERV-powered.html