I read a report recently on research being carried out at the University of Dundee, Scotland by a Prof Willett. Apparently the research is looking at the significance of long gaps between feeds, and whether this might relate to SIDS. They are wondering if some babies may be less able than others to cope with low blood glucose, and whether these babies may be more at risk of SIDS if they are having long gaps between feeds. The report suggested that the researchers are wondering whether, since breastfed babies are likely to have shorter gaps between feeds, this might be part of the reason for fewer SIDS cases in breastfed babies. Now the caveats - this research is *not* complete - this is from a report in the press, not direct from the researchers - and, *importantly*, I have second hand information that Prof Willett does not consider that there is cause to 'change practice' at present. However, it is clearly an area to watch. Perhaps the paediatrician originally referred to was also aware of some early work around this topic. For what it's worth, I think all too often variations in breastfeeding behaviour are seen as 'breastfeeding problems', when they are actually *symptoms* of a real *medical* problem in mother or child. We don't really know where the boundaries of normality are in breastfeeding. All IMHO Of to enjoy the Scottish sunshine, Mary Broadfoot, Paisley, Scotland [log in to unmask] The Breastfeeding Network - Independent Support and Information about Breastfeeding http://www.breastfeeding.co.uk/bfn *********************************************** 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