الفهرس 
Title : Growth patterns and health status of exclusively and non-exclusively breast-fed infants during first six months
AbstractOnly 14 pages are availabe for public view
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Abstract
Background: Exclusive breastfeeding for infants is recommended for the first six months for optimal health, development and growth. In Egypt, most women breastfeed their infants for long periods, but many introduce alternative feeding too early in life. Also, there is a limited data on infant feeding practices and nutrition status of infants in Egypt. Aim of the study: the present study was designed to compare the growth patterns and health status of exclusively and non-exclusively breast-fed infants during first six months. Material and methods: A comparative prospective study design was utilized on a convenient sample of hundred healthy full term infants and their mothers who attended well-baby clinic for immunization during the first week of life at Preventive Medicine Center in Specialized Pediatric Hospital at Cairo University. Structured Interview questionnaire were developed by the researchers and administrated to mothers to ascertain reasons for the early introduction of complementary feeding .Anthropometric measurements (weight, length, head and chest circumference) of infants were taken four times and recorded and plotted at Egyptian growth curve. Results: The study revealed that all mothers breastfed their infants generally, eighty five present practiced exclusive breast feeding (EBF) and fifteen percent didn{u2019}t breast feed their infants exclusively at birth. The percentage of EBF mothers was decreased throughout the 1st six months