The World Health Organization (WHO) suggests at least six months of breastfeeding to ensure optimal health and well-being for every infant, though a small percentage of mothers breastfeed for this length of time. Researchers from Deakin University decided to look into possible causes of reduced breastfeeding habits, particularly exclusive breastfeeding.
Researchers pulled information from eight completed studies looking for possible psychosocial causes for lax breastfeeding exclusivity. The studies were completed between 2010 and 2011. Due to the complex differences between the studies, including study size, method of data extraction and definition of the term exclusive, researchers were unable to find the information they were looking for.
Conclusion: Study authors believe a large cohort study on exclusive breastfeeding habits and psychosocial status from birth to six months postpartum is needed to help doctors learn more about why women choose not to breastfeed exclusively for at least six months.
