Exclusive Breast Feeding and Child Survival in Pakistan and Other South Asian Countries

Exclusive Breast-feeding culture is an important child survival strategy. Breast-feeding is the most effective intervention for saving new born and infant lives and preventing early malnutrition. Nearly, all studies mention that during first 6 months exclusive breast feeding produces higher survival rates than partial breast feeding. The extent and severity of infection among preterm and low birth weight infants are generally greater in infants endangered by infant formula inadequacies (Giashuddin and Kabir, 2004). Hence, Breast feeding puts favorable influence on infections diseases prevention, child development and survival as compared to bottle feeding (Brinton et al., 1995). The earlier breast-feeding expression is commenced the better the lactation outcome (Hill et al., 2001; Hartmann et al., 2003; Riordan, 2005). A World Health Organization study of less developed countries found a doubled risk of death in the second year of life for those weaned prematurely or never receiving breast milk (Morisky et al., 2002). Breast feeding also plays a major role in birth spacing (Sayers et al., 1995). The longer the duration of breast feeding; the longer is the interval between the last birt