Breastfeeding and human milk: What benefits for neonates and infants

Breastfeeding has been shown to be beneficial for the health of neonates infants, mainly for the prevention of infectious diseases. Other beneficial effects such as prevention of atopic diseases or prevention of obesity has been also suggested. The optimal breastfeeding duration is still a matter of debate. Most of the beneficial effects were reported systematically for a duration of three months or more. However, there is a dose-dependent effect and breastfeeding, even for a short duration is beneficial for infants. Exclusive breastfeeding is presently recommended for six months, with introduction of complementary feeding at that time. (C) 2008 Elsevier Masson SAS. Tous droits reserves.