THE World Health Organisation recommends mothers to exclusively breastfeed babies for at least six months.

However, the Obstetrical and Gynaecological Society of Malaysia notes that the current worldwide decline in the initiation and duration of breastfeeding has heightened the need for effective breastfeeding promotion.

Consultant obstetrician and gynaecologist Dr Kiren Sidhu says: “Many mothers are opting to breastfeed their babies, thanks to the awareness of the benefits of breast milk. However, their goal is usually the first six months. We now want to recommend mothers to continue breastfeeding until baby turns a year old with complementary feeding.”

Emotional and social support from husband, family and friends is important to the breastfeeding mother. They should also encourage her to get ample rest between feeds and have healthy meals as well.

Dr Kiren’s advice for breastfeeding mums looking for support can be found on ParenThots.com.

Focus on the Family

Find out how to curb a child’s nervous habit and what not to do.

Readers write in

A dad writes about helping to develop his child’s EQ, which will benefit her in school and later on in life. And, a mother shares her story of encouraging her child to be helpful to nurture her EQ.

ParenThots is The Star’s parenting portal. For more information, e-mail parenthots@thestar.com.my or surf to parenthots.com.

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