Much research has recognized the general importance of maternal behavior in the early development and programing of the mammalian offspring's brain. Exclusive breastfeeding (EBF) duration, the amount of time in which breastfed meals are the only source of sustenance, plays a prominent role in promoting healthy brain and cognitive development in human children. However, surprisingly little is kn...

BACKGROUND Although breastfeeding in general is common and culturally accepted in many sub-Saharan countries, recommended exclusive breastfeeding infants to 6 months is rare. In rural Tanzania, data on infant feeding practices is rare. OBJECTIVE To examine and describe exclusive breastfeeding practices in rural settings (Coast Region) of Tanzania. METHODS A cross-sectional study was conduct...

BACKGROUND According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Hispanic breastfeeding mothers begin early formula supplementation at higher rates than other ethnic groups, which can lead to shorter breastfeeding duration and decreased exclusive breastfeeding. Acculturation, the process of adopting beliefs and behaviors of another culture, appears to influence breastfeeding practices of...

INTRODUCTION Despite evidence from various studies on exclusive breastfeeding (EBF) being best for infants, many women do not or are unable to practise EBF. This study aimed to examine perceptions on EBF and its influencing factors among a sample of Malay women in rural and urban areas in Kelantan, Malaysia. METHODS A qualitative study using in-depth interviews was conducted to examine respon...

Breastfeeding has numerous benefits both for infants and mothers. WHO, UNICEF, and OECD report the breastfeeding rate (BR) and exclusive breastfeeding rate (EBR) at 3, 4, and 6 months of age for the international comparison. This article investigates the nationwide changes in BR and EBR in Korea from 1994 to 2012. EBR declined from 1994 to 2000, however progressively increased untill 2012. The ...

BACKGROUND Given the recognized benefits of breastfeeding for the health of the mother and infants, the World Health Organization (WHO) recommends exclusive breastfeeding (EBF) for the first six months of life. However, the prevalence of EBF is low globally in many of the developing and developed countries around the world. There is much interest in the effectiveness of breastfeeding promotion ...

OBJECTIVE The purpose of this study was to determine whether implementing a program based on a clinical protocol affects breastfeeding rates within a pediatric primary care setting. Increasing breastfeeding rates is an important public health initiative identified by multiple agencies. METHODS The Academy of Breastfeeding Medicine (ABM) clinical protocol ("The Breastfeeding-Friendly Physician...

BACKGROUND The objective of this study is to determine the effect of a consultation model, Beliefs, Attitudes, Subjective Norms and Enabling Factors (BASNEF), and the counselling steps using GATHER-Greet clients, Ask clients about themselves, Tell clients about their choices, Help clients choose, Explain what to do, and Return for follow-up-on the continuation rates of exclusive breastfeeding i...

Background Despite consistent evidence showing the importance of exclusive breastfeeding (EBF) for six months, it remains a sub-optimal practice in The Gambia. This study aimed at investigating the determinants of EBF knowledge and intention to or practice of EBF. Methods A cross-sectional study was conducted among 334 women receiving care at the Edward Francis Small Teaching Hospital (EFSTH)...

OBJECTIVE To determine and describe the prevalence and patterns of three recommended practices for infant and young child feeding-exclusive breastfeeding (EB), continued breastfeeding (CB), and achievement of minimum dietary diversity-in four regions in Haiti, and to identify the attitudes and beliefs that inform these practices and any other factors that may facilitate or impede their implemen...