VIENTIANE, Aug. 5 (Xinhua) -- Lao women are giving precedence to breastfeeding especially for the first six months, which provides babies with critical nutrients and boosts their immune system.

Breastfeeding is very important because it helps babies to grow healthy and strong, local daily Vientiane Times on Monday quoted Vilavan, a middle-aged woman from Xayaboury province in north Laos, as saying.

"I have two kids, and I breastfed them for six months because I realized the benefits of this and wanted my children to be healthy. It's a pity that some mothers don't want to breastfeed their babies and give them processed milk instead," she said.

Sometimes health workers go to villages to explain about the importance of breastfeeding. Giving a baby anything other than breast milk is bad for their health and deprives them of the nutrients they need for good development, according to the report.

The Lao daily, in its "Streetwise" column, published local citizens' discussion over the issue on Monday during the World Breastfeeding Week, an annual celebration observed every year on Aug. 1-7.

Khamchone Phousavanh, a resident of the capital Vientiane, told local media that he has a healthy two-year-old daughter because his wife has breastfed her.

"I don't know much about the best way to feed a newborn but I know breast milk is best as the baby is likely to be more healthy and have more protection against disease," he said.

Breastfeeding is essential during the first six months of a baby's life. A baby who is fed on his or her mother's milk will be healthier and grow more quickly than that one fed with formula milk or other food. Girls should learn about this before they get married or become a mother so that their baby has the best start in life, said Lackky, a young Vientiane girl. Enditem

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