Delayed breastfeeding initiation and infant survival
14 Aug, 2017 | 15:23h | UTCThis systematic review and meta-analysis mostly of observational studies suggests early breastfeeding initiation is associated with increased survival. The authors acknowledge that there are many reasons for delayed breastfeeding initiation that may confound the relationship between breastfeeding initiation and mortality, but remember that randomized trials would not be considered ethical, so we must rely on high quality observational data. Based on their analysis, the authors suggest the implementation of programs that emphasize the importance of early initiation of breastfeeding, in addition to promoting exclusive breastfeeding.