Breastfeeding is an unequalled way
of providing ideal food for the
healthy growth and development
of infants1, providing protection from morbidity and mortality due to infectious diseases2 and chronic diseases later in life.3 Exclusive breastfeeding is recommended, starting within one hour
of birth and for the first 6 months
of life, with continued breastfeeding to 2 years
of age and beyond.4 However, rates
of initiation, exclusive breastfeeding and breastfeeding duration have fallen since the widespread introduction and
promotion of breast - milk substitutes.5 Successful breastfeeding depends on a number
of factors, including a re-normalisation
of breastfeeding as the infant feeding method
of choice through antenatal counselling and education and breastfeeding support to prevent and resolve breastfeeding difficulties.