It is important that babies are exclusively breastfed for the first six months of their lives, the Ministry of Health reminds mothers and mothers-to-be on the occasion of the World Breastfeeding Week during August 1-7, Info-Prim Neo reports. In a press release, the Ministry says that many mothers put the health of their babies at risk when they add other foods to their children's diet before they reach six months of age. According to a 2011 UNICEF report on children, of the 136 million children born worldwide, only 33% are exclusively breastfed in the first six months after birth. The Ministry further recalls that breast milk is the ideal food for babies, being always fresh and sterile, having an optimal temperature and always available. It gives babies all the nutrients needed for development. Further, breast milk is hypoallergenic and contains antibodies that help protect infants from such illnesses as diarrhea, pneumonia, retardation, anemia and reduces the risk of developing serious illnesses later in life such as type-2 diabetes, obesity and other digestive diseases. Breastfeeding also benefits mothers, reducing risks of breast and ovarian cancer later in life, helping women return to their pre-pregnancy weight faster, and lowering rates of obesity. The World Breastfeeding Week is observed annually during August 1-7 since 1992. This year's theme is “Understanding the Past - Planning the Future: Celebrating 10 years of WHO/UNICEF's Global Strategy for Infant and Young Child Feeding ”