Human Milk, Breastfeeding and Cow Milk

The World Health Organization recommends exclusive breastfeeding, when possible, for the first 6 months of life.

Human milk is known as the best form of nutrition for neonates and infants. It contains bioactive properties that aids growth, health and development.
Breastfeeding provides ideal nutrition and is sufficient to support optimal growth and development; it is recommended that breastfeeding continues for at least 12 months and thereafter, for as long as mutually desired.

Epidemiologic research indicates that human milk and breastfeeding of infants provides advantages for neonates, while significantly decreasing risk for a large number of acute and chronic diseases.
Human milk contains antibodies and is a significant source of passively acquired immunity for the infant; during the time of reduced neonatal gut immune function, when they have limited defences against pathogens. In addition, human milk has a role in the development of the baby's intestinal microflora , enhancing the colonization of some bacteria while inhibiting the colonization of others.

But there are some situations in which breastfeeding is not in the best choice for the infant. In fact, very sensitive infants can have allergic reactions to mother's breast milk or can suffer from galactosemia, or their mother uses some drugs or others diseases.

When direct breastfeeding is not possible, fortified breast milk or another form of infant formula can be used for feeding.