In Australia pamphlets regarding SIDS no longer mention breastfeeding as a
protective factor. The powers that be believe that there is insufficient
evidence that it protects against SIDS to mention it to parents.
I have always quoted the New Zealand Cot Death Study when I have stated
publicly or to parents that breastfeeding may provide some protection
against SIDS. Unfortunately the follow up to this study published in this
month's Pediatrics contradicts the findings of the previous study. They
state "Breastfeeding did not appear to offer a statistically significant
reduction in SIDS risk after adjustment of potential confounders, but as
breastfeeding rates are comparatively good in New Zealand, this result
should be interpreted with caution as the power of this study to detect a
benefit is small"
(Mitchell EA, Tuohy PG, Brunt JM et al. Risk Factors for Sudden Infant
Death Syndrome Following the Prevention Campaign In New Zealand: A
Prospective Study. Pediatrics. 1997;5:835-840)
Until further evidence becomes available I do not believe that I can go on
promoting breastfeeding as a protective factor for SIDS.
I would really like to hear opinions of other Lactnetters on this subject.
Laureen Lawlor-Smith
South Australia
BMBS IBCLC