Infant feeding is critically important both for individual growth and development, and also for public health as a whole. Contemporary recommendations in this regard strongly advocate for exclusive breastfeeding during the first six months of a child`s life. This approach to feeding means that the infant receives only mother's (or donor's) breast milk during these first months, excluding only medications or supplements prescribed by a doctor. This report`s objective is to examine the evidence behind these recommendations and to clarify the specific benefits of exclusive breastfeeding. The methodology used includes a literature review of the latest scientific information, official recommendations and scientific literature on the specifics of exclusive breastfeeding. A brief review of international research is carried out. Conclusions are outlined that point to the necessity to update practices in maternity wards in our country and to optimize midwifery care in order to ensure exclusive breastfeeding for dyads, as well as to inform parents about the benefits of exclusive breastfeeding.
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