Good, appropriate and balanced nutrition is essential for the health of mothers and growth of children. Breastfeeding, in particular, is a critical component of child health and essential to achieving the Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) number two (Zero Hunger) and number three (Good Health and Wellbeing) to which Pakistan is a signatory.
The first gift that a mother can give to her own child is, after birth, starting to breastfeed within the first hour and breastfeeding exclusively for the first six months. This will provide her baby with the best nutrition possible. Breastfeeding also establishes a very precious bond between mother and child at a critical moment, a time when the right nourishment, responsive stimulation and care can encourage healthy brain development. In fact, at this time, brain connections form at an unrepeated speed, giving shape and depth to children’s cognitive, emotional and social development – influencing their capacity to learn, to solve problems and to relate to others. This, in turn, has a significant impact on their adult lives, affecting their ability to earn a living and contribute to their societies . . . even their future happiness!
As UNICEF we launched the campaign #Early Moments Matter, because proper nutrition, stimulation, care and protection of infants and children is the best investment that a parent, and a country can make, and breastfeeding exclusively for the first six months is the first step!
