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Table 1 WHO feeding definitions

From: Infant feeding practices at routine PMTCT sites, South Africa: results of a prospective observational study amongst HIV exposed and unexposed infants - birth to 9 months

Exclusive breastfeeding (EBF)

Giving the infant breast milk only and any

minerals, vitamins and prescribed medicines if

needed, for the first six months

Mixed breastfeeding (MBF)

Giving the infant breast milk and other fluids

And solids. MBF may be further classified into

predominant breastfeeding and partial

breastfeeding:

Predominant breastfeeding (PredBF)

means giving the infant breast milk and

non-nutritive liquids

Partial breastfeeding (ParBF) means

feeding breast milk andnon-nutritive

and nutritive liquids and solids

Exclusive formula feeding (EFF)

Giving the infant only commercial infant

formula milk for the first six months of life

Replacement feeding (RF)

Refers to the process of feeding a child who is

not receiving any breast milk a diet that

provides all the nutrients the child needs until

the child is fully fed on family foods. During

the first six months a suitable breast milk

substitute should be used and subsequently

complementary foods made from appropriately

prepared and nutrient-enriched family foods

should be added