The reference is from Cunningham AS, Derrick B, Jelliffe DB,Jellife EFP. Breastfeeding and health in the 1980s: A global epidemiologic review from the Journal of Pediatrics, volume 118, number 5, May 1991. Cunningham et al, states: "In Sheffield, England, breast-feeding was the single most important factor in a prevention program that reduced the postperinatal mortality rate from 5.2 to 1.9 per 1000; the emphasis on breast-feeding accounted for an estimated 24% of the reduction in the mortality rate."[study reported in 1983] OK. I have a question. Will someone on this list tell me why we do not believe that infant mortality is related to the method of feeding an infant in developed countries? Cunningham brings this up in regard to problems in methodology and discusses the problems: definition (we all know one well because of the Coutsuadis study), assignment, and co-founders. But he ends with stating that the studies (99 references) show unequivocally, that breastfeeding in suburban middle and upper class groups "prevents gastrointestinal and lower respiratory tract disease, otitis media, and bactermia and meningitis in these settings." What studies refute this information? I haven't seen any. And after looking at those patents on imitating human milk components to treat and prevent disease, I need someone to clue me in to give the information that disputes this. I have to retake the IBCLC test this summer and I want to give the right answer (in case they ask it)...even if I don't believe it's the right answer. Valerie W. McClain, IBCLC *********************************************** The LACTNET mailing list is powered by L-Soft's renowned LISTSERV(R) list management software together with L-Soft's LSMTP(TM) mailer for lightning fast mail delivery. For more information, go to: http://www.lsoft.com/LISTSERV-powered.html