According to WHO, breastfeeding should be continued with appropriate foods till the age of:

Appeared in: DSSSB 14 August 2024

Explanation

The World Health Organization (WHO) and UNICEF jointly recommend continuing breastfeeding for up to two years of age or beyond.
This practice is part of the Infant and Young Child Feeding (IYCF) guidelines.
At 6 months, complementary foods are introduced to supplement breast milk, which should continue to be a primary source of nutrition.
Continuing breastfeeding up to 2 years provides crucial antibodies, supports healthy growth, and protects against infectious diseases.

Option A: This is the recommended duration for exclusive breastfeeding, meaning the infant receives only breast milk. After 6 months, breastfeeding should continue alongside complementary foods.
Option B: While breastfeeding can continue beyond two years if mutually desired, 4 years is not the specific duration recommended by WHO as a standard guideline.
Option D: Stopping breastfeeding at 1 year falls short of the WHO's recommendation. The benefits of breastfeeding continue well into the second year of life.

Clinical Relevance

Nursing practice connection: This is primarily an exam-oriented knowledge point with limited direct bedside application, so retain WHO guidelines on breastfeeding duration as background academic context rather than a clinical decision trigger.
Nurses play a vital role in educating new mothers and families about the WHO's IYCF guidelines, promoting optimal nutrition and health outcomes.
It is a key nursing responsibility to provide lactation support and counsel parents on the timely introduction of appropriate complementary foods while encouraging continued breastfeeding.
What if? A mother reports she plans to stop breastfeeding at 1 year because she feels her child is eating solid foods well. The nurse should explain the continued immunological and nutritional benefits of breast milk in the second year of life and support the mother in her decision while providing accurate information.

How to Approach the Question

First, identify the key entities in the question: 'WHO' and 'continued breastfeeding with appropriate foods'.
This is a factual recall question based on established global health guidelines.
Differentiate between the recommendation for 'exclusive' breastfeeding and 'continued' breastfeeding.
Recall that 'exclusive' breastfeeding is for the first 6 months.
Recall that 'continued' breastfeeding, along with complementary foods, is recommended for up to 2 years or beyond.
Select the option that matches the guideline for continued breastfeeding.

Concept Tested & Keywords

QZUUYFSK5dqaXqKYkv1J2j

E6 Nelson Textbook of Pediatrics(2024) — Volume 1 pp. 456-458, 470-472

E6 Ghai Essential Pediatrics(pp 26-904 of 913) p. 80-82

Practise the full DSSSB 14 August 2024

Attempt every question from this paper in a timed mock, then review the full solution for each one.