In the researcher's letter to Sara, it was stated:

Women who reported giving their baby a
bottle in weeks 4 or later were more likely to continue
breastfeeding to 12
weeks than women who did not. Clearly, breastfeeding can be
successfully
combined with bottle feeding once breastfeeding is established.

I wonder if this isn't like the figures that R--- cited several
years ago.  They don't state WHAT is in the bottles.  They don't
indicate the reason for the supplementation.  Considering current
statistics, I suspect many if not most of these are women employed
outside the home  (how about WEOTH as a short term?).  In how many
instances are they bottles of EBM while mom is away.  Certainly, a
mom who pumps at work will be breastfeeding longer than one who
doesn't (in most cases).
Are the moms replacing a feed with the bottle or merely offering a
little from time to time to keep baby familiar with the "alternate
food source"?
The statement as it appears in the letter does not have enough info
to lead to the conclusion given.  Perhaps when it is published there
will be further explanation, but I suspect that the mind set of the
researcher is that mixed feeding is just fine.
Winnie IBCLC

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