EAT FOR HEALTH Australian Dietary Guidelines

EAT FOR HEALTH – AusTRALiAn diETARy guidELinEs

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Guideline 4

4.2.1 Breastfeeding incidence and duration

Exclusive breastfeeding

Systematic reviews from developed and developing countries provide evidence of a probable association that

exclusive 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 similar

recommendations. 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 the

literature review for the Infant Feeding Guidelines.881-884

No apparent risks have been reported in recommending exclusive breastfeeding for around the first 6 months

of 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 that

any faltering growth or other adverse outcomes do not go unnoticed.^351

Adding other foods

The 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.886,887

Early cessation of lactation

Recent evidence suggests an association between maternal perceived insufficient milk supply and an increased

risk of early cessation of lactation (Grade C; Evidence Report, Section 25.3). Despite this perception, there is little

evidence that there is an inability to produce adequate milk, except in rare circumstances related to maternal

illness. The advice and support of family and health professionals can be very helpful.

Supportive environments

There is convincing evidence that antenatal and perinatal support for breastfeeding can increase the proportion of

women 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 an

increased duration of both exclusive and non-exclusive breastfeeding, both in the immediate postnatal period

and when the infant is 6 months of age (Grade B; Evidence Report, Section 25.3).

2 in Australia, ‘around 6 months’ for exclusive breastfeeding is used to acknowledge that different infants develop at

different rates.