The Optimal Duration of Exclusive Breastfeeding: A Systematic Review

By World Health Organization

The longstanding debate over the optimal duration of exclusive breastfeeding has centered on the so-called "weanling's dilemma" in developing countries: the choice between the known protective effect of exclusive breastfeeding against infectious morbidity and the (theoretical) insufficiency of breast milk alone to satisfy the infant's energy and micronutrient requirements beyond 4 months of age.

The primary objective of this review is to assess the effects on child health, growth, and development, and on maternal health, of exclusive breastfeeding for 6 months vs exclusive breastfeeding for 3-4 months with mixed breastfeeding (introduction of complementary liquid or solid foods with continued breastfeeding) thereafter through 6 months.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 9241595647
• ISBN13: 9789241595643
• Release Date: December 2002
• Publisher: World Health Organization
• Length: 50 Pages
• Weight: 0.33 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.1" x 8.3" x 11.7"