Research Article

Low rates of exclusive breastfeeding are still evident in four South African provinces

Published in: South African Journal of Clinical Nutrition
Volume 28 , issue 4 , 2015 , pages: 170–179

DOI: 10.1080/16070658.2015.11734557

Author(s): Lp Siziba Centre of Excellence for Nutrition, South Africa , J. Jerling Centre of Excellence for Nutrition, South Africa , Sm. Hanekom Centre of Excellence for Nutrition, South Africa , E. Wentzel-Viljoen Centre of Excellence for Nutrition and Medical Research Council Research Unit for Hypertension and Cardiovascular Disease Faculty of Health Sciences, South Africa

Keywords: exclusive breastfeeding , South Africa , low rates , infant feeding practices

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Abstract

Objectives: Breastfeeding is one of the primary strategies used to enhance infant nutrition and improving child survival worldwide. The intention of globally increasing the rate of exclusive breastfeeding (EBF) to at least 50% of infants in the first six months of life was stated in the 2014 International Conference on Nutrition Rome Declaration on Nutrition and the Post-2015 Development Agenda. This study aimed to explore the infant-feeding practices of mothers and caregivers of infants aged ≤ 6 months in four provinces in South Africa.

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