Hi all,
I can't resist contributing a few ml on this thread.  When the Norwegian
Nutritional Council revised its infant feeding recommendations, the BF
organization nearly declared war on them because they copied the 4 to 6
month recommendation.  The BF org felt this undermined breastfeeding.
Mothers will want their babies to be developmentally precocious and if 4
months is good, maybe 3 months is better, was the fear.  What I have seen,
and it baffles me, is that babies who aren't thriving will be prescribed
solids to improve their growth, while mothers of babies who are growing like
weeds will be advised to give solids because 'He's so big, you couldn't
possibly have enough milk for him!' even when the baby belies that claim by
his very size.  We also have seen that introduction of solids does not lead
to increased intake over all.  If introduced too soon they reduce the amount
of breast milk the baby takes and may lead to premature weaning.  I am
continuing to look forward to the results of the WHO multicentre growth
study on BF children so we may become better informed about what is optimal
growth and nutrition for our offspring.
Here, there was a study of iron levels a few years back in one year olds in
a mainly immigrant community (they are more concerned that foreigners won't
have the good sense to feed their kids right, xenophobes that they are).
The most significant risk factor for anemia at age one in that study was
early introduction of formula, before the age of three months.  This was of
course a marker for early weaning from the breast.  There is a study in
progress to look at iron status in breastfed children but results are not in
yet.  The researchers are extremely aware of the benefits of breastfeeding
having experienced it as mothers themselves.
The iron in breastmilk is bound to a protein making it available to the baby
only, and preventing potentially harmful bacteria (like E.coli) from getting
hold of it.  Iron in other foods is available on a first come, first served
basis, and there is a regular free-for-all in the baby's gut over it.  Iron
from other sources than breastmilk is also associated with microscopic
bleeds from the baby's gut, further necessitating the very iron supplement
which caused a loss of iron through blood loss.  Isn't science wonderful?
I like the approach at the well-child clinic in my neighborhood.  All
children are considered healthy until proven otherwise, parents are trusted
to do the best by their children, and if it ain't broke, don't fix it!  Look
at the baby, use the brains you were born with plus the skills you have
learned, and I bet you'll figure out what's right in the end.
and that's it for now, from foggy rainy Kristiansand, Norway
Rachel Myr
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