I posted this in May, thought it might be of interest -


Remember the research done by Howie et al in Dundee published some years
ago? Well, Prof Howie was speaking at the Dundee launch od Baby Friendly
in Scotland, and reported further findings. The children are now 7 years
old, and they have followed up over 70%. Comparing no breastfeeding and
weaned before 13 weeks(bottle fed group) against those receiving
breastmilk at 13 weeks(breastfed group), the breastfed group showed less
cough and infection, and lower blood pressure. the lower blood pressure
was 'highly statistically significant', and prof Howie seems quite
excited about it.
They also looked at age of introduction of solids. early = <8 weeks age,
late
=>4 months. They found less wheeze, and lower weight and body fat, in
the late solids group. best results from those breastfed and late
solids, worst from bottle and early solids. breastfeeding seemed to
protect against negative effects of early solids (at least to an
extent).
They are preparing paper for publication, and intend to follow the group
again in a few years, particularly because of the blood pressure
findings.

Mary Broadfoot, Scotland
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