Nikki,

If you can get a copy of the INFACT Canada fall '97 Newsletter, the cover
article is on Breastfeeding and Iron Status.  It includes 10 references.
Try their website at http://www.infactcanada.ca

Among the references listed are Mohrbacher and Stock, the Breastfeeding
Answer Book, (1997 edition) p.144.  This is a section on anemia, which it
says is rare in breastfed babies.

Also look at the article, "Iron Status in Breast-fed Infants," by Alfredo
Pisacane et al, Journal of  Pediatrics 1995;27:429-431 (September 1995).
Pisacane states that, "infants exclusively breast fed for 7 months or
longer have a better iron status than those who start receiving other foods
at an earlier age."

And (not from the article in INFACT Canada):

Michaelsen KF. Nutrition and Growth during infancy. Acta Paediatr
1997;86(S420):1-36.

Murtaugh MA. Optimal breastfeeding duration. J Am Dietetic Assoc
1997;97(11):1252-1254.

Pisacane, A et al. Neonatal prevention of iron deficiency. BMJ 1996;312:136-137.

Slusser W and Powers NG. Breastfeeding Update 1: Immunology, nutrition, and
advocacy. Pediatrics in Review 1997;18(4):111-119.  (see p. 116)

These are just a few, but they can be a start.

Anne Altshuler, RN, MS, IBCLC and LLL leader in Madison, WI
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