breastfeeding promotion breastfeeding promotion breastfeeding promotion refers to coordinated activities and policies to promote health among women, newborns and infants through breastfeeding. international breastfeeding symbol the world health organization (who) recommends infants should be exclusively breastfed for the first six months of life to achieve optimal health and development, followed by complementary foods while continuing breastfeeding for up to two years or beyond. however, currently fewer than 40% of infants under six months of age are exclusively breastfed worldwide. public health awareness events such as world breastfeeding week, as well as training of health professionals and planning, aim to increase this number. significance of breastfeeding promotion in the united states