The protective effects of breast feeding have been shown to be dose responsive16 17 18 and minimal breast feeding may not be protective.17 Researchers in lactation have advocated that research on promotion of breast feeding must
target exclusive breast feeding, 19 and ours is one of the larger randomised controlled trials with this primary outcome.
The recent NICE evidence into practice briefing on promotion of initiation and duration of
breast feeding, 4 however, recommended that education and support should be
targeted at women with low incomes to increase rates of
exclusive breast feeding.