UNICEF UK has responded. 

UNICEF UK response to media reports questioning the recommendation to introduce solid food to babies at 6 months
Statement 14 January 2011
 
An article published in the British Medical Journal (BMJ) is being reported in the 
media as questioning whether exclusive breastfeeding for 6 months is appropriate for 
UK babies.
1
 This article is not based on new evidence but rather a re-analysis of 
older evidence, much of which is the same as that used as the basis for weaning 
recommendations from the World Health Organization (WHO) and the UK’s 
Departments of Health (DH).
2 3
  
When considering this analysis it should be noted that three of the four authors have 
declared an association with the baby feeding industry. Less breastfeeding and 
earlier introduction of solid food will lead to greater profit for this industry. 


<snip>


http://www.babyfriendly.org.uk/items/item_detail.asp?item=680

- Jodine



On 2011-01-14, at 2:10 AM, heather wrote:

> This is all over the media - I have seen it on TV, read it in the paper, heard it on the radio and seen it all over the web and it's only 9.04 am here!
> 
> Unfortunately, it's being reported as 'new research' that says exclusive breastfeeding could 'harm' babies.
> 
> It isn't research but a series of questions in a UK context.
> 
> UK guidance has been in place since 2003.  There has never been any proper evaluation of the guidance, and all the evidence that very few mothers actually follow it.
> 
> The usual suspects have already put in their twopence-worth on this, with predictable results - notably a private breastfeeding counsellor (which she is not) who was on TV saying 'her' babies always sleep through the night at 8 to 12 weeks because she recommends formula if the babies are not yet doing so.
> 
> I feel it's all a bit depressing.
> 
> Heather Welford Neil
> NCT bfc, UK, tutor
> -- 
> http://www.heatherwelford.co.uk
> 
> http://heatherwelford.posterous.com
> 
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