ABSTRACT
INTRODUCTION The rate of breastfeeding worldwide has continued to increase over the last few decades. In many countries the rate exceeds 90% of mothers opting to breastfeed. It has become increasing clear to women that this provides their infant with the best and cleanest source of nutrition. Benefits for the infant also include enhanced neurocognitive development; stronger immune function; reduced rates of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS) and significant reductions in infectious diseases such as upper respiratory infections, otitis media and necrotising enterocolitis (1-6).
