Open Access

The Importance of Exclusive Breastfeeding During the First Six Months and Digital Support Approaches for Its Continuation: A Current Review

1 Marmara University, Institute of Health Sciences
2 Marmara University, Institute of Health Sciences

Abstract

Giving your baby only breast milk for the first six months helps keep both you and your child healthy now and later on. This is a fundamental practice in terms of public health. The World Health Organization and UNICEF recommend that babies be fed only breast milk for the first six months after birth, and that breastfeeding be continued with appropriate complementary foods until the age of two and beyond. However, when data from around the world is examined, it is observed that achieving this goal is proving difficult. Breastfeeding behavior is influenced by many variables, such as individual factors, social environment, and the healthcare system. Recently, mobile health (mHealth) and telehealth applications have come to the fore. Mothers now have easier access to information and support, which increases their self-efficacy regarding breastfeeding. Research indicates that digital interventions can increase breastfeeding rates and mothers' self-confidence. However, some studies have also reported that telelactation does not provide a significant contribution in the general population. Nevertheless, the evidence we have regarding its long-term effects is still limited and somewhat scattered. In this review, we will evaluate the role of digital health approaches in maintaining exclusive breastfeeding for the first six months, in line with the current literature.

Keywords

How to Cite

Atmaca, T., & Demirgöz Bal, M. (2026). The Importance of Exclusive Breastfeeding During the First Six Months and Digital Support Approaches for Its Continuation: A Current Review. International Journal of Digital Health & Patient Care, 3(1), 34–38. https://doi.org/10.67015/ijdhpc.310

References

📄 1. Szyller, H., Antosz, K., Batko, J., Mytych, A., Dziedziak, M., Wrześniewska, M., & Pytrus, T. (2024). Bioactive components of human milk and their impact on child’s health and development, literature review. Nutrients, 16(10), 1487. [CrossRef] [PubMed]
📄 2. Kim, S. Y., & Yi, D. Y. (2020). Analysis of the human breast milk microbiome and bacterial extracellular vesicles in healthy mothers. Experimental & Molecular Medicine, 52(8), 1288-1297. [CrossRef] [PubMed]
📄 3. Lauritzen, L., Brambilla, P., Mazzocchi, A., Harsløf, L. B., Ciappolino, V., & Agostoni, C. (2016). DHA effects in brain development and function. Nutrients, 8(1), 6. [CrossRef] [PubMed]
📄 4. Binns, C., Lee, M., & Low, W. Y. (2016). The long-term public health benefits of breastfeeding. Asia Pacific Journal of Public Health, 28(1), 7-14. [CrossRef] [PubMed]
📄 5. Wiciński, M., Sawicka, E., Gębalski, J., Kubiak, K., & Malinowski, B. (2020). Human milk oligosaccharides: health benefits, potential applications in infant formulas, and pharmacology. Nutrients, 12(1), 266. [CrossRef] [PubMed]