DRAFT Australian Dietary Guidelines - Eat For Health

No apparent risks have been reported in recommending, as a general policy, exclusive
breastfeeding for around the first six months of life, in both developing and developed countries
(Grade B, Section 23.2 in Evidence Report [14]). It is important, however, that health professionals
manage infants individually so that faltering growth or other adverse outcomes do not go
unnoticed.
Early cessation of lactation: Recent evidence suggests an association between maternal perceived
insufficient milk (PIM) supply and an increased risk of early cessation of lactation (Grade C, Section
25.3 in Evidence Report [14]).
Supportive environments: There is convincing evidence that pre-natal and perinatal support for
breastfeeding can increase the proportion of women breastfeeding (both exclusive and nonexclusive)
up to age 6 months (Grade A, Section 25.3 in Evidence Report [14]).
Recent evidence also suggests a probable association between breastfeeding support (any type)
and an increased duration of both exclusive and non-exclusive breastfeeding, both in the
Immediate post-natal period and at 6 months of age (Grade B, Section 25.3 in Evidence Report
[14]).
DRAFT Australian Dietary Guidelines- December 2011 136