FOR DEBATEPolicy of Exclusive Breastfeeding for Six Months: A re-examination

Abstract

,br>While it is well accepted that breast-feeding is natural and that human breast milk is a unique and appropriate food for full term healthy neonates, controversy continues to dog the recommendation that babies should be exclusively breast-fed for the first six months of life. In this paper, evidence is presented to show that while human milk alone can provide adequate macro- and micronutrients for normal growth and development of full term infants for the first 3-4 months of life, it is inadequate for older infants. Growth faltering whose effects on the rapidly growing brain is unknown, nutritional rickets, iron deficiency anaemia and zinc deficiency have been reported in infants exclusively breast-fed beyond four months of age. It is therefore, strongly recommended that exclusive breast-feeding should not last beyond four months of age, while breast-feuding could continue for as long as it is feasible and practicable for the mother. This should ensure normal growth and development of the infant who would also reap other benefits of breast milk and breast-feeding.

Nigerian Journal of Paediatrics 2001; 28:53. pp 53-60