Breastfeeding during emergencies saves lives

I ran accross an article published by the World Health Organization (WHO) that stated: In all situations, the best way of preventing malnutrition and mortality among infants and young children is to ensure that they start breastfeeding within one hour of birth, breastfeed exclusively (with no food or liquid other than breast milk, not even water) until six months of age and continue breastfeeding with appropriate complementary foods up to two years or beyond. (source: http://www.who.int/mediacentre/news/statements/2009/world_breastfeeding_week_20090731/en/index.html)

They’re specifically talking about emergency situations that arise from natural disasters or other forms of conflict.  But this also shows the importance of breastfeeding for infant health even in everyday situations.  I’m no expert on breastfeeding, but I do know that it’s very important for infant health.  Typically in my practice, the children who come in with allergies and other ailments are those who were formula fed in lieu of being breastfed. 

So what do you think?  What’s your view on breastfeeding?