**1. Introduction**

Exclusive breast feeding involves feeding only breast milk without any added fluids or solids. It is highly recommended by the World Health Organization (WHO) for the first 6 months of life with supplemental breast feeding continuing for at least 2 years [1]. This is because optimal breastfeeding of infants has a direct impact on growth, development, and health in the neonatal period [2, 3]. Breastfeeding is known to have invaluable benefits both for the child and mother. For the mother, breast feeding causes weight reduction, provides stronger interaction with the infant as well as pleasure and pleasant emotion. It also provides a more practical approach to feeding in comparison to the use of a bottle prevents breast cancer and pregnancy and provides relief in breast pain while also being economical. For the infant, it promotes affectional bond with the mother while adequately supplying the nutritional and emotional needs [3]. In the developing world, low immunization rates, contaminated drinking water,

and reduced immunity as a result of malnutrition make breast feeding crucial to reducing life threatening infections. A review of interventions in 42 developing countries estimated that exclusive breast feeding for 6 months, with partial breastfeeding continuing to 12 months, can prevent 1.3 million (13%) deaths each year in children under 5 years [3]. However exclusive breastfeeding is not without challenges.
