>The WHO reports that serve as the background for their
feeding recommendations do show better growth in breastfed infants (at the
population level) in developing countries from 4-6 months when *appropriate*
solids are added to the diet<

This may indeed be true, but the interesting premise which remains
unexamined in this is whether it is physiologically desirable or appropriate
for children to have 'better' growth = maintaining the earlier weight gain
trajectory.  Do we know this?   How?

I appreciate Marsha's reminder that commercial interests are an influence on
our understanding of what is desirable or even what is normal.  With all
respect, the WHO/UNICEF recommendations are made in a world society which
has powerful international commercial players at work.  They influence the
'zeitgeist' which provides the context for research in this area and which
informs all the debates and recommendations around these issues.

The Lactnet debate has focussed on the introduction of solids, but I think
it is worth remembering that the underlying understandings of desirable
growth are, themselves, cultural artefacts which reflect observed physical
phenomenon, but are not, in themselves absolute imperatives or demonstrably
'true'.

Magda Sachs
Breastfeedign Supporter, BfN, UK

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