ABSTRACT

Breastfeeding is considered the optimal method of infant feeding as it directly reduces the incidence of infant mortality and morbidity (Australian Health Ministers’ Conference 2009; Australian Institute of Health and Welfare 2011; Horta et al . 2007; Kramer and Kakuma 2009). Breastfeeding helps to prevent infectious diseases and allergies in young children, and decreases the risk of overweight and obesity among infants, children and adolescents and of chronic disease later in life (Horta et al . 2007; Kramer and Kakuma 2009). For women, breastfeeding results in decreased postpartum bleeding and increased rates of recovery after birth (Kramer and Kakuma 2009). For this reason, the World Health Organization (WHO) recommends exclusive breastfeeding for the fi rst six months of life (Kramer and Kakuma 2009; Butte et al . 2002; World Health Organization 2003).