Back To Resource Library

Insight: Impact of Early Initiation of Exclusive Breastfeeding on Newborn Deaths

Sectors:
Maternal Child Health and Nutrition | Child Health | Disease Control | Maternal Health & Nutrition | New Born Health
Authors:
Alive and Thrive (A&T)
Year Published:
2010
Resource Type:
Technical Guidance
Language:
English

The main points of this technical brief are as follows:

  1. In low-resource, high mortality settings where infection causes a large proportion of newborn deaths, early initiation of exclusive breastfeeding can substantially reduce child mortality.
  2. Initiation of breastfeeding within the first hour can help prevent neonatal deaths caused by sepsis, pneumonia, and diarrhea and may also prevent hypothermia-related deaths, especially in preterm and low birthweight infants.
  3. Early initiation of exclusive breastfeeding serves as the starting point for a continuum of care for mother and newborn that can have long-lasting effects on health and development.