The Optimal Duration of Exclusive Breastfeeding for Physical Growth

Breastfeeding an infant is commonplace in many parts of the world, and is widely acknowledged as being the best form of nutrition for babies. However, the optimal duration of exclusive breastfeeding (EBF) serves as a topic of controversy. This debate has stemmed from what was has been previously described as the “weanlings dilemma” by Rowland et. al. The “weanlings dilemma” is thought to be the result of breast milk by itself being inadequate nutritionally for an infant beyond the age of 3 or 4 months. The other factor considered into the “weanlings dilemma” is that the foods typically given to weanlings in a lot of [underdeveloped] countries are not sufficient nutritionally, and are contaminated.