When breastfeeding support is oHered to women, the duration and exclusivity of breastfeeding is increased. Characteristics of eHective support include: that it is oHered as standard by trained personnel during antenatal or postnatal care, that it includes ongoing scheduled visits so that women can predict when support will be available, and that it is tailored to the setting and the needs of the population group. Support is likely to be more eHective in settings with high initiation rates. Support may be oHered either by professional or lay/peer supporters, or a combination of both. Strategies that rely mainly on face-to-face support are more likely to succeed with women practising exclusive breastfeeding.