Breastfeeding, Early Nutrition and the Impact on the Life Course

The presentation will addess the importance of nutrition during fetal life and early after birth, mainly in preterm babies. Early initiation of breastfeeding is the best start for every newborn. Initiation of breastfeeding or providing mother's milk within the first hour after birth gives them a potential chance to survive, grow and develop to their full potential. Also, it is critical to support and sustain breastfeeding over the long term. When breastfeeding is delayed after birth, the consequences can be life-threatening - and the longer newborns are left waiting, the greater the risk.