Guidelines Dietary - Eat For Health

4.2.1 Breastfeeding incidence and durationExclusive breastfeedingSystematic reviews from developed and developing countries provide evidence of a probable association thatexclusive breastfeeding for around 6 months of life 2 is the best method of feeding for full-term infants (Grade B;Evidence Report, Section 23.2). Breastfeeding can then continue while appropriate solid foods are introduced.The WHO and almost all national and international paediatric and public health organisations make similarrecommendations. The Infant Feeding Guidelines 351 recommend that exclusive breastfeeding be encouraged,supported and promoted to around 6 months of age. For further information about the evidence, refer to theliterature review for the Infant Feeding Guidelines. 881-884No apparent risks have been reported in recommending exclusive breastfeeding for around the first 6 monthsof life, in both developing and developed countries (Grade B; Evidence Report, Section 23.2). It is important,however, that health professionals manage all infants on an individual basis, no matter how they are fed, so thatany faltering growth or other adverse outcomes do not go unnoticed. 351Adding other foodsThe introduction of complementary feeding (adding solid foods and liquids other than breast milk or infant formula)at around 6 months is consistent with introduction of solid foods during the probable ‘window of tolerance’between 4 and 7 months. 885 The majority of Australian infants have solids introduced during this period. 886,887Early cessation of lactationRecent evidence suggests an association between maternal perceived insufficient milk supply and an increasedrisk of early cessation of lactation (Grade C; Evidence Report, Section 25.3). Despite this perception, there is littleevidence that there is an inability to produce adequate milk, except in rare circumstances related to maternalillness. The advice and support of family and health professionals can be very helpful.Supportive environmentsThere is convincing evidence that antenatal and perinatal support for breastfeeding can increase the proportion ofwomen breastfeeding (both exclusive and non-exclusive) up to age 6 months (Grade A; Evidence Report, Section 25.3).Recent evidence also suggests a probable association between breastfeeding support (any type) and anincreased duration of both exclusive and non-exclusive breastfeeding, both in the immediate postnatal periodand when the infant is 6 months of age (Grade B; Evidence Report, Section 25.3).Guideline 42 In Australia, ‘around 6 months’ for exclusive breastfeeding is used to acknowledge that different infants develop atdifferent rates.90EAT FOR HEALTH – australian dietary guidelinesNational Health and Medical Research Council