Systematic Review-based Recommendation for an Optimal Duration of Exclusive Breastfeeding in Indonesian Population (a Critical Appraisal)

Abstract

The length of exclusive breastfeeding (EBF) recommendation has been debated for the last decade between four and six months. Experts opinion divided around what so called weanling dilemma and safety or concern on milk substitutes sanitation, furthermore, it also related to the target community, whether they are develop or developing nations. For each nation, developing recommendation or national program on EBF should be based on the strongest evidence found preferably from systematic review of randomized control trials. A review involving adequate and proportional evidence from either developed or developing countries reveals the beneficial value of six compare to four months EBF. Considering its strength and limitations, the review has a good objectivity. The applicability of the review in developing six months EBF recommendation for Indonesian population is regarded to be suitable because the results of the review are seen to be cost effective and appropriate with less harm, and even protective against diarrhea. This is a critical appraisal of a systematic review written by Kramer and Kakuma (2002).Key words: exclusive breastfeeding, systematic review, critical appraisa