Breast-feeding provides all of the nutritional, immunologic, and psychological requirements needed for a healthy, term infant to thrive, and it also benefits maternal health and well-being. Health organizations throughout the world recommend exclusive breast-feeding for 6 months.

However, mothers in many countries and communities supplement breast-feeding with other fluids or foods before the infant is 6 months old, suggesting perceived benefits of early supplementation or lack of awareness of the possible risks.

in zimbabwe, 5.8% of mothers breast feed for the recommended 6 months without supplementing. this predisposes the child into serious health problems which can be avoided. it has been shown that giving a child water has no advantage at all. mothers are supposed to breast feed their children upto 24 months. in zimbabwe, less than 10% of mothers do so.

this causes the health of the child to be impaired. the cognitive, psychological and physical well being is affected. this will have a big impact on the society and development of the country as 90% of mothers do not adhere to health advice on breastfeeding and its benefits.

i encourage every mother to breast feed for 6 months exclusively and wean the child after full two months. exclusive breastfeeding is breastfeeding only, without taking any supplement, inc water. if you have any question concerning breast milk and feeding feel free to ask.