Exclusively Breast Feeding practise for six Months is it Adequate for growth

Abstract

Background: Exclusive breastfeeding for six months is a public health debate. Lacking knowledge on practice of exclusive breast feeding complicates implementation of WHO/NINCEF recommendations of exclusive 6 months breast feeding. Information on infants’ growth is a crucial evidence of benefits or hazards to close the gap between the practise and the recommendation. Methods: A cohort study from birth followed by a randomized trial design at four months up to 6 months was conducted. At 4 months, the participants were randomly assigned into, two groups , a group with solid food added to the breast feeding (Group A) and a group, that continued exclusive breast feeding up to 6 months of age. Growth parameters (weight and length) of all groups were measured and compared Results: there is no significant difference between the trial and compared groups with regard to growth parameters, at birth, 4 months or 6 months of age. The mean weight of Group A, at six months of age was (7.2kg, SD 0.9kg), compared to group B with 7.3kg SD1.1), (P value =0.29). The mean length of Group A was 68cm( SD2.7) compared to 68cm(SD4), P value = 0.6). Conclusions: Exclusive breast feeding of infants up six months compared to four has no adverse effect on the growth parameters