Clinical predictors for breastfeeding initiation among women with epilepsy.

The benefits of breastfeeding for both the mother and the child are well established, and unless there are clear contraindications, women are encouraged to breastfeed [1, 2]. Breastfeeding in mothers is associated with a reduced risk for type 2 diabetes, breast cancer, and ovarian cancer. In addition, the child has reduced risks for heart disease, diabetes, obesity, and respiratory tract infections. Moreover, it has positive emotional and psychological effects on both [3]. Despite this knowledge and recommendation of the American Academy of Pediatrics for exclusive breastfeeding for the first 6 months [4], the initiation and continuation rates, although geographically vary, are relatively low in the world’s general population [5,6].

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