RESEARCH
Breast is best for 6 months
A study in Honduras has found that exclusive breastfeeding for the first 6
months of life should be recommended in low-income populations. There was
no advantage indicated in introducing complementary foods before 6 months,
whereas there were disadvantages in exposure to contaminated weaning foods.
(Lancet 1994; 343: 288-93) Commercial baby foods in sealed jars are not
expected to be contaminated, provided they are thrown away after the first
use. They are, however, very expensive. Cheaper commercial weaning foods
(such as Nestle's Cerelac or Gerber's baby cereals), which are rehydrated
with water in a similar manner to baby milks, are more likely to present a
contamination danger.
Breastfeeding protects US children
Health and feeding information drawn from a large representative sample of
US children shows that breastfeeding protects against pneumonia in 1-2
year-olds and that early introduction of solid foods increases the
likelihood of pneumonia. Breastfeeding was found to protect against ear
infections in children under one year old. A slight protective effect
against asthma was also shown.
Ford K, Labbok M, Breastfeeding and child health in the United States,
Journal of Biosocial Science 1993; 25: 187-194
Breastfeeding protects LBW babies
A study of 118 low-birth-weight babies showed that those fed on infant
formula were 13 times more likely to suffer necrotising enterocolitis (a
potentially fatal condition) than the breastfed babies. The
artificially-fed babies were 5 times more likely to contract urinary
infections, 9 times more likely to suffer diarrhoea and 2.3 times more
likely to need blood transfusions.
Contreras-Lemus J et al., Boletin Medico del Hospital Infantil de Mexico
1992; 49: 671-677.
Breast cancer
Studies showing the protective effect of breastfeeding against breast
cancer (see Update 12) have been confirmed by a US study. The cumulative
period of breastfeeding was studied - women who lactated for longer periods
were the least likely to suffer breast cancer. The younger a woman is when
she first breastfeeds, the lower the risk of cancer.
Newcomb PA et al., Lactation and a reduced risk of premenopausal breast
cancer, N. Engl J Med 1994; 33: 81-7.
Educate the fathers
A survey of 115 UK mothers has shown that the partner's attitude to
breastfeeding is the biggest factor influencing their feeding decision. If
the father approved of breastfeeding, three quarters of infants were
totally breastfed; if the father was indifferent or disapproving, the
proportion fell to less than 10%.
Clinical Paediatrics 1994; 33: 214-9.
Multiple sclerosis
An Italian study has found that patients with multiple sclerosis are less
likely than a control group to have been breastfed for a prolonged period
of time.
Pisacane et al, Breastfeeding and multiple sclerosis, BMJ 1994; 308: 1411-1412.
Gaps in health workers' knowledge
A survey to assess whether parents would be likely to receive the same
sound and clear infant feeding advice from different community health
professionals shows that further training and initiatives are required. A
confidential questionnaire was distributed to all clinical medical officers
(CMOs), health visitors and every second GP in south Derbyshire. Of 200
respondents, 34 were in favour of complementary bottle feeding in the
establishment of breastfeeding and 75% of CMOs agreed with the statement
that infant formula is as good as breastmilk (74% of GPs and 78% of HVs
disagreed). However, follow-on milks were not considered to play an
important role.
Health visitors said that professional journals and company information
were the main sources of information. GPs said that health visitors were
their main source.
Hyde L, Knowledge of basic infant nutrition amongst community health
professionals, Maternal and Child Health 1994; 1: 27-32.
Breastfeeding literature compared
An evaluation of all breastfeeding literature distributed to mothers in
Ontario, Canada, has shown noticeable differences between materials
produced by non-profit sources and those given out by infant food
manufacturers. 12 company pamphlets and 10 non-profit pamphlets were
compared against several criteria. The non-profit sources scored higher in
positive attitude, accuracy and Code compliance, although one government
pamphlet violated the Code with its presentation of bottle feeding.
The reading levels were considered to be too high in both sources,
particularly in view of the 1.5 million Canadian women with limited reading
skills. The baby food company pamphlets, which are abundant and often
remain in circulation for long periods, generally gave negative impressions
of breastfeeding. Health professionals are reminded of their responsibility
to check the information they distribute.
Valaitis RK and Shea E. Canadian Journal of Public Health 1993; 84: 24-27.
[log in to unmask] (Arly Helm, LC)
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