Abstract

Objective: To integrate findings from multiple published studies assessing the major protective effects of exclusive breastfeeding for both mothers and infants.
Methodology: Original studies focusing on breastfeeding, reviews of the benefits of breastfeeding, and large healthcare databases and relevant websites were all searched. Reports and data published by the WHO and the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) related to breastfeeding benefits were used. Only English-language research was chosen after the studies' quality was evaluated. The integrated findings summarize accepted practices and assess maternal and child benefits of breastfeeding.
Results: By drawing on epidemiological, clinical, and mechanistic research, the review emphasizes the diverse benefits of breastfeeding and its importance to both mother and child.
Conclusion: The outcomes of this review will expand on an earlier analysis of breastfeeding's benefits, explore challenges in breastfeeding practices, and offer recommendations for further study in this field.

Key words: Breastfeeding, exclusive breastfeeding, benefits, infant, mothers, Al-Baha.