Exclusive breastfeeding practices in an urban settlement of Vellore, southern India: findings from the MAL-ED birth cohort

Background Exclusive breastfeeding is recommended in the first six months of life. Observing breastfeeding practices and further the introduction of complementary food using a birth cohort can provide a better understanding with reference to the child’s growth and nutrition. We aim to describe the exclusive breastfeeding practices in the Indian MAL-ED birth cohort.