IBCLC Practice Exam 2025 – All-in-One Guide to Excelling in Your Lactation Consultant Certification!

The World Health Organization (WHO) recommends initiating breastfeeding within the first hour after birth. This is a critical time for both the mother and the newborn. The early initiation of breastfeeding helps to establish a close bond between the mother and infant and supports the infant's health by providing early colostrum, which is rich in antibodies and nutrients essential for the newborn's immune system and overall development.

Breastfeeding within this timeframe is beneficial not only for the infant but also encourages uterine contraction in mothers, reducing the risk of postpartum hemorrhage. Additionally, it promotes better breastfeeding outcomes in the long term as it sets a strong foundation for breastfeeding practices.

While initiating breastfeeding within the first 30 minutes or 24 hours is also beneficial, the emphasis on the first hour is to encourage immediate skin-to-skin contact and prompt initiation, which has been shown to enhance both maternal and infant outcomes. Delaying breastfeeding for two hours or more may reduce the likelihood of successful breastfeeding and can impact the establishment of milk supply.