As an Occupational Therapist/IBCLC I have a particular interest in
sucking (normal and abnormal) and the delivery aspects of
breastfeeding.  In Australia we are currently addressing the bottles
and teats aspects of the WHO Code and I have been communicating with
Brian Palmer (lactnet's resident dentist) plus several speech
pathologists.  We so often look at the benefits of breastmilk and
not so often at the benefits of the act of breastfeeding, and what
effect bottle teat feeding has on the mouth, throat, airways, etc.

Heidi asks about ADD and  a possible connection with breastfeeding. I
recall we discussed this topic on lactnet at length last year (???),
although I don't recall anyone coming up with any particular links. I
suspect the causes of ADD are multifactorial, but might there be a
contribution from chronic airway obstruction caused by the mechanical
act of bottlefeeding (regardless of the liquid in the bottle)?  Use
of bottle teats can mould the hard palate and decrease nasal volume
and they can also cause collapse of the walls of the throat, reducing
the airway even further.  Obstructed airways lead to disturbed sleep
generally, and sleep apnea in particular.  If this can measurably
affect growth by decreasing circulation of growth hormones (because
of disturbed sleep), what else might it affect?  My guess is that
some labelled Attention Deficit Disorder is associated with sleep
apnea, but I also wonder what else long-term airway obstruction
might be doing to the brain.

What do others think?

Ros Escott
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"In every work the beginning is the most important part,
especially in dealing with anything young and tender." Socrates