BackgroundOne of the Indonesian health objectives set forth by the Department of Health is that by the year 2010, the proportion of mothers who exclusively breastfeed their infants should increase to 80%.1 Currently the percentage of those who are exclusively breastfeeding is about 32% .
2The justification for breastfeeding as the infant feeding method of choice continues to be well documented in the scientific literature. Significant nutritional, anti-allergenic, immunological and psychological benefits of breast milk have been identified. Many studies have described the unique advantages of human milk over artificial formulas. Clinical experiments have established the value of breastfeeding in preventing otitis media, gastroenteritis, asthma, shigella infection, and a variety of other diseases. For the mother, lactation facilitates a faster return to a prepregnant weight while suppressing ovulation for many. The economic advantage and the enhancement of the mother-infant bond have also been discussed as important benefits to breastfeeding.3,4 Endorsement for breastfeeding has come from
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