Hello!
Dis you read:
Dewey KG et al. Growth of breast-fed infants deviates from current
reference data: a pooled analysis of US, Canadian, and European data sets.
Pediatrics 1995;96:495-503
        453 infants breastfed for more than 12 months were studied. Breastfed
babies gain more weight than reference babies fors the first two months;
then they put weight more slowly, but are still over the NCHS mean until at
about six months. It is suggested that the normal pattern of growth for
babies is this one, and that the actual curves are a deviation due to
artificial feeding. They are preparing new curves, specially for breastfed
babies...
        Wonderful, isn't?
        But, just wondering...
        Western babies receive formula supplements if their weight gain is "not
enough" (an ounce a day keeps the bottle away, you know). So, a
subpopulation of "heavy babies" is selected for succesful breastfeeding.
Those babies who gain under the mean are weaned, and not taken into account
in this study.
        Thus, the seemingly extra weight gain in this study could be only a
selection artifact. And this could be dangerous if new curves are
developed. I can hear the Pedi: "Your baby has put on 7 ounces in a week.
This could be OK for a bottlefed baby; but, for a breastfed one, I shall
expect at least 8 ounces..."
        Is Dr Dewey on Lactnet? Can someone send them this message, or send me her
e-mail address?
        Carlos Gonzalez, MD
        ACPAM, Catalan Breastfeeding Association
        Barcelona, SPAIN