Literature review for - Flourish Paediatrics

) Around six months
c) Around six months and never before 4 months (the current Australian position)
d) Not before six months
e) Around six months - not before 17 weeks but should not be delayed beyond 26 weeks
f) Introduction of complementary solids from around 4-6 months
Previously in Australia the recommendation was 4-6 months. This was interpreted by many mothers
as at the beginning of the 4 th month (ie 12-13 weeks). There are similar difficulties with the existing
recommendation of ‘around six months’. Does this mean from 20 or 21 weeks? In fact the ‘around
six months’ was deliberately chosen following focus group testing to reflect individual variation in
infant requirements.
The most difficult to interpret is “around 4-6 months” which is being communicated to mothers as
“from 12 weeks”.
International Recommendations
Most government agencies and professional organisations have recommended exclusive
breastfeeding until 6 months or around 6 months. (see below for some examples).
However in the past five years several professional organisations with an interest in allergy have
suggested that solids should be introduced during a “window of tolerance” (Prescott, Smith et al.
2008)
Statements on Breastfeeding Exclusive to Six months
Exclusive breastfeeding is defined as feeding the infant only breast milk, with no supplemental
liquids or solids except for liquid medicine and vitamin/mineral supplements
The US government agencies and national professional associations in the United States generally
recommend infants be exclusively breastfed for the first 6 months of life, and continue to breastfeed
at least through the first year of life. Examples include:
1 Healthy People 2010 Washington, DC: US Department of Health and Human Services; 2000.
Target16-19. Increase the proportion of mothers who breastfeed their babies. “Approximately the
first six months of life” (U.S. Department of Health and Human Services 2000)
2. Centre for Disease Control (has two recommendations in different documents- endorses Healthy
People 2010 and see below)
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