DETERMINANTS OF MOTHERS’ BREASTFEEDING PRACTICES

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), “Exclusive breastfeeding means that an infant receives only breast milk no other liquids or solids are given – not even water – with the exception of oral rehydration solution or drops/syrups of medicines.” 1  
It is recommended that for the first six months of life, infants should be exclusively breastfed to achieve optimal growth, development and health.  Thereafter, infants should receive nutritionally adequate and safe complementary foods while continuing to breastfeed for up to two years or more.   
Over the last decade, overwhelming scientific evidence supporting the integral role of breastfeeding in the survival, growth and development of a child, as well as in the health and well-being of the mother, has come to light. 
Breast milk has the complete nutritional requirements that a baby needs for healthy development.  Moreover, it is safe and contains antibodies that help protect infants and boost immunity.  Consequently, breastfeeding contributes to reduced infant morbidity and mortality due to diarrhoea, respiratory infections, ear infections and other infectious diseases.  
For the mother, breastfeeding is economical; breast milk is always available, clean and at the right temperature.  Breastfeeding also delays the return of fertility and reduces the risk of developing breast and ovarian cancers.