Chinese women should be given more maternity leave to better breastfeed their babies, in line with World Health Organization recommendations, a leading pediatrician suggests.

Although China currently follows WHO guidelines and has among the most breastfeeding mothers in the world, the current policies do not guarantee sufficient care for new mothers, Ding Zongyi, president of the Child Health Committee under the Chinese Medical Doctor Association, said.

Breastfeeding is recommended by the WHO as the best way to provide infants with the nutrients they need for healthy growth and development. Normally, exclusive breastfeeding is recommended up to six months.