In the wake of the article on the benefits of weaning a breastfed baby before six months, La Leche League International's Chair of the Council of Directors (UK), Anna D. Burbridge, noted that "three of the four authors of this research have declared an association with the baby feeding industry".
The full response can be found at http://www.bmj.com/content/342/bmj.c5955.full/reply#bmj_el_248971
We realise that mothers are receiving conflicting advice all the time, regarding many aspects of childcare including breastfeeding, nutrition and child devlopment. A baby's gut is immature in the first months of life. Most believe that introduction of solids at six months allows the digestive tract to "seal" itself against allergens so that these allergens do not pass through the intestinal walls to the bloodstream too early, thereby causing the body to produce antibodies against the allergen which might in turn cause allergies.
Some other studies also suggest introduction of cereals as a first food between 4 to 6 months. Introduce it too early (before 4 months) or too late (after 6 months), and you might increase baby's risk of developing an allergy to gluten (coeliac disease).
What do you do?
BMSG believes that breastmilk is baby's best food in the first six months. It is gentle on baby's digestive system and is sufficient nutrition for a growing baby. When a mother starts solids should be, on balance, be weighed against various factors including genetic risk of allergies in the family. If the family suffers from allergies, it might be prudent to consider slow introduction of cereals and solids.
In the BMJ article, it was suggested that late introduction of cereals may increase risk of coeliac disease. However, the more important consideration is not about when to introduce but how cereals should be introduced. There is evidence that not being breastfed when gluten is introduced may actually raise the risk of gluten sensitivity.
So, breastfeed for at least six months. Introduce cereals and solids one at a time and slowly; there is no real hurry. Continue to breastfeed whilst offering complementary foods.
29 January 2011
WEANING BEFORE SIX MONTHS?
Relying purely on breastfeeding for the first six months might not be best for babies, experts in the UK have warned.
In the British Medical Journal, the team said breastfed babies may benefit from being given solid food earlier. Current advice suggests weaning should occur at six months, but the UCL team say it could happen as early as four.
 |
| Breastfeeding is known to benefit babies |
The research team, led by Dr Mary Fewtrell a paediatrician from the University of London Institute of Child Health, said it supported the recommendation for developing countries, where access to clean water and safe weaning foods is limited, and there is a high risk of infant death and illness.
But they added: "Many western countries, including 65% of European member states and the US, elected not to follow this recommendation fully, if at all. But in 2003, a health minister said the UK would comply.
The WHO recommendation "rested largely" on a review of 16 studies, including seven from developing countries.It concluded that babies just given breast milk for six months had fewer infections and experienced no growth problems.
But another review of 33 studies found "no compelling evidence" not to introduce solids at four to six months, the experts said. Some research has also shown that six months of breastfeeding does not give babies all the nutrition they need.
A US 2007 study found there was an increased risk of anaemia compared with those introduced to solids at four to six months. Swedish research also found that the incidence of early onset coeliac disease increased after a recommendation to delay introduction of gluten until age six months, but fell back after the recommendation reverted to four months.
Dr Alan Lucas, director of the Institute of Health, said: "The WHO recommendation is very sensible for developing countries. "But in the UK, it's important we take a balanced look at the evidence." Dr Fewtrell added: "When you look at the figures, there are a lot of babies being weaned before six months anyway - and that's probably the most important thing in terms of hard evidence."
But the Royal College of Paediatrics and Child Health and the National Childbirth Trust defended current advice. And Janet Fyle, professional policy adviser at the Royal College of Midwives, said: "I really must challenge the suggestion that the UK should reconsider its current advice on exclusive breastfeeding for six months.
"I believe that this is a retrograde step and plays into the hands of the baby-food industry which has failed to support the six-month exclusive breastfeeding policy in the UK.
"There is evidence that some babies do die in developed countries from inappropriate young child feeding, such as the introduction of solid foods earlier before their swallowing mechanism is mature enough or they have fully developed the capability to cope with solid foods."
And a Department of Health spokeswoman said: "Breast milk provides all the nutrients a baby needs up to six months of age and we recommend exclusive breastfeeding for this time.
"Mothers who wish to introduce solids before six months should always talk to health professionals first."
The Scientific Advisory Committee on Nutrition is to review infant feeding and is due to report later this year.
Source: BBC © MMXI http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/health-12180052
SURGEON GENERAL CALLS FOR MORE BREASTFEEDING
20th January, 2011
America's chief doctor called on Americans to support breast-feeding on Thursday and outlined guidelines for mothers and communities to support that most natural nutrition system.
Studies have shown numerous benefits for babies, mothers and overall healthcare when newborns are breast-fed for the recommended inimum of six months.
Surgeon General Regina Benjamin issued a report on Thursday advocating mothers breast-feed their children.
"Many barriers exist for mothers who want to breast-feed," Benjamin said in a statement accompanying the report.
"They shouldn't have to go it alone. Whether you're a clinician, a family member, a friend, or an employer, you can play an important part in helping mothers who want to breast-feed."
Breast-feeding develops immunity in babies and protects them from illnesses like diarrhea, ear infection and pneumonia, according to the report.
Some studies have linked breast-feeding to higher IQs.
Despite the reported benefits of breast-feeding, some women find that with busy schedules, social stigma, and lack of know-how, consistent breast-feeding is difficult to manage.
Although 75 percent of babies start out being breast-fed, just over 1 of 10 are breast-fed exclusively for six months.
The Surgeon General's call seeks to combat those problems by expanding and improving community programs that provide support and peer counseling, and ensuring employers and health care centers to provide similar support.
The American Academy of Pediatrics endorsed the surgeon general's campaign.
"The Call to Action provides a road map for creating a clear path for all mothers to breast-feed as long as they can and wish to do so," the children's healthcare organization said in a statement.
Reporting by Wendell Marsh; Editing by Jerry Norton
Surgeon General Regina Benjamin issued a report on Thursday advocating mothers breast-feed their children.
"Many barriers exist for mothers who want to breast-feed," Benjamin said in a statement accompanying the report.
"They shouldn't have to go it alone. Whether you're a clinician, a family member, a friend, or an employer, you can play an important part in helping mothers who want to breast-feed."
Breast-feeding develops immunity in babies and protects them from illnesses like diarrhea, ear infection and pneumonia, according to the report.
Some studies have linked breast-feeding to higher IQs.
Despite the reported benefits of breast-feeding, some women find that with busy schedules, social stigma, and lack of know-how, consistent breast-feeding is difficult to manage.
Although 75 percent of babies start out being breast-fed, just over 1 of 10 are breast-fed exclusively for six months.
The Surgeon General's call seeks to combat those problems by expanding and improving community programs that provide support and peer counseling, and ensuring employers and health care centers to provide similar support.
The American Academy of Pediatrics endorsed the surgeon general's campaign.
"The Call to Action provides a road map for creating a clear path for all mothers to breast-feed as long as they can and wish to do so," the children's healthcare organization said in a statement.
Reporting by Wendell Marsh; Editing by Jerry Norton
Reuters Health
(c) Copyright Thomson Reuters 2011
CHILDHOOD CANCER AND BREASTFEEDING
TUESDAY, Jan. 25 (HealthDay News) --
Breast-feeding may help reduce some long-term negative side effects of cancer treatment in women who survived childhood cancer, according to a new study.
The findings suggest that making women aware of the benefits of breast-feeding should be part of routine recommendations for a post-cancer healthy lifestyle, said Susan W. Ogg and colleagues from St. Jude Children's Research Hospital in Memphis, Tenn.
The researchers reviewed studies that examined whether women can successfully breast-feed after treatment for childhood cancer, how childhood cancer treatment affects women's health in general over the long term and whether breast-feeding might reduce both the risk and impact of treatment-related toxicity in cancer survivors.
The analysis revealed that breast-feeding can have a positive impact on a mother's bone mineral density, metabolic syndrome risk factors, cardiovascular disease and secondary tumors -- health factors that are all negatively affected by childhood cancer.
"Alongside advice to eat plenty of fruit and vegetables, abstain from smoking, use suitable sun protection, practice safe sex and take part in regular physical activity, women who have survived childhood cancer and are physically able to breast-feed should be actively encouraged to do so to help protect them against the many lasting effects of cancer treatment," the researchers concluded.
The study findings were released online in advance of publication in an upcoming print issue of the Journal of Cancer Survivorship.
About 80 percent of U.S. children and teens diagnosed with childhood cancer now survive, but many face major health challenges stemming from the cancer itself or its treatment. These challenges include impaired growth and development, organ dysfunction, reproductive difficulties and risk of cancer recurrence.
SOURCE: Journal of Cancer Survivorship, news release, Jan. 20, 2011
Breast-feeding may help reduce some long-term negative side effects of cancer treatment in women who survived childhood cancer, according to a new study.
The findings suggest that making women aware of the benefits of breast-feeding should be part of routine recommendations for a post-cancer healthy lifestyle, said Susan W. Ogg and colleagues from St. Jude Children's Research Hospital in Memphis, Tenn.
The researchers reviewed studies that examined whether women can successfully breast-feed after treatment for childhood cancer, how childhood cancer treatment affects women's health in general over the long term and whether breast-feeding might reduce both the risk and impact of treatment-related toxicity in cancer survivors.
The analysis revealed that breast-feeding can have a positive impact on a mother's bone mineral density, metabolic syndrome risk factors, cardiovascular disease and secondary tumors -- health factors that are all negatively affected by childhood cancer.
"Alongside advice to eat plenty of fruit and vegetables, abstain from smoking, use suitable sun protection, practice safe sex and take part in regular physical activity, women who have survived childhood cancer and are physically able to breast-feed should be actively encouraged to do so to help protect them against the many lasting effects of cancer treatment," the researchers concluded.
The study findings were released online in advance of publication in an upcoming print issue of the Journal of Cancer Survivorship.
About 80 percent of U.S. children and teens diagnosed with childhood cancer now survive, but many face major health challenges stemming from the cancer itself or its treatment. These challenges include impaired growth and development, organ dysfunction, reproductive difficulties and risk of cancer recurrence.
SOURCE: Journal of Cancer Survivorship, news release, Jan. 20, 2011
CALL TO ACTION - EQUALLY APPLICABLE TO SINGAPORE
WASHINGTON, DC, Jan. 20, 2011
Surgeon General Regina M. Benjamin today issued a “Call to Action to Support Breastfeeding,” outlining steps that can be taken to remove some of the obstacles faced by women who want to breastfeed their babies.
Many mothers who attempt to breastfeed say several factors impede their efforts, such as :
According to the “Call to Action,” breastfeeding protects babies from infections and illnesses that include diarrhea, ear infections, and pneumonia. Breastfed babies are also less likely to develop asthma, and those who are breastfed for six months are less likely to become obese. Mothers themselves who breastfeed have a decreased risk of breast and ovarian cancers.
A study published last year in the journal Pediatrics estimated that the nation would save $13 billion per year in health care and other costs if 90 percent of U.S. babies were exclusively breastfed for six months. Dr. Benjamin added that, by providing accommodations for nursing mothers, employers can reduce their company’s health care costs and lower their absenteeism and turnover rates.
“I believe that we as a nation are beginning to see a shift in how we think and talk about breastfeeding,” said Dr. Benjamin. “With this ‘Call to Action,’ I am urging everyone to help make breastfeeding easier.”
Source: http://www.sixtysecondparent.com/
Surgeon General Regina M. Benjamin today issued a “Call to Action to Support Breastfeeding,” outlining steps that can be taken to remove some of the obstacles faced by women who want to breastfeed their babies.
Many mothers who attempt to breastfeed say several factors impede their efforts, such as :
- a lack of support at home;
- absence of family members who have experience with breastfeeding;
- a lack of breastfeeding information from health care clinicians; a
- lack of time and privacy to breastfeed or express milk at the workplace; and
- an inability to connect with other breastfeeding mothers in their communities.
- Communities should expand and improve programs that provide mother-to-mother support and peer counseling.
- Health care systems should ensure that maternity care practices provide education and counseling on breastfeeding. Hospitals should become more “baby-friendly,” by taking steps like those recommended by the UNICEF/WHO’s Baby-Friendly Hospital Initiative.
- Clinicians should ensure that they are trained to properly care for breastfeeding mothers and babies. They should promote breastfeeding to their pregnant patients and make sure that mothers receive the best advice on how to breastfeed.
- Employers should work toward establishing paid maternity leave and high-quality lactation support programs. Employers should expand the use of programs that allow nursing mothers to have their babies close by so they can feed them during the day. They should also provide women with break time and private space to express breast milk.
- Families should give mothers the support and encouragement they need to breastfeed.
According to the “Call to Action,” breastfeeding protects babies from infections and illnesses that include diarrhea, ear infections, and pneumonia. Breastfed babies are also less likely to develop asthma, and those who are breastfed for six months are less likely to become obese. Mothers themselves who breastfeed have a decreased risk of breast and ovarian cancers.
A study published last year in the journal Pediatrics estimated that the nation would save $13 billion per year in health care and other costs if 90 percent of U.S. babies were exclusively breastfed for six months. Dr. Benjamin added that, by providing accommodations for nursing mothers, employers can reduce their company’s health care costs and lower their absenteeism and turnover rates.
“I believe that we as a nation are beginning to see a shift in how we think and talk about breastfeeding,” said Dr. Benjamin. “With this ‘Call to Action,’ I am urging everyone to help make breastfeeding easier.”
Source: http://www.sixtysecondparent.com/
22 January 2011
BOTTLE FEEDING LEADS TO OBESITY??
Whilst BMSG is obviously a strong proponent of breastfeeding as the best form of infant nutrition, we strive to bring you balanced views and let you - the reader - decide.
The article below is but one of many reports that have cited breastfeeding as the best start in the fight against obesity. In Singapore, the obesity rate was 10.8% in 2010.
Taking it into simple perspective, if you throw a stone into a crowd of people at Orchard Road, for instance, you should be able to hit 1 person in a group of 10 who would very likely be considered obese. You would hit quite a few people who are considered obese, kids and adults alike. The results were similar to those conducted by the Ministry of Education on our students.
Frankly, this would really not be so much a clear cut case of formula versus breastfeeding. Although having said that, exclusively breastfed babies who are fed on demand at the breast, stop feeding on their own when they are full. Whereas it is all too common to hear comments that "my baby takes an hour to finish his/her bottle". We need to ask ourselves why. Whether it is expressed breast milk or formula, if your baby takes longer than 15 minutes or so to finish a bottle, it's likely too much milk.
Therefore, if a baby takes an hour to finish a bottle, would it not be a logical conclusion that perhaps we are forcing baby to take in more than (s)he needs? If a baby is overfed from infancy, it is very likely that we as parents can unwittingly create big appetites in our children which need to be filled as they grow.
It is natural for babies to suck - teat, bottle or otherwise. So if you have a bottle of milk, your baby is likely to suck till it's all gone. Yet, it might not be that your baby was actually that hungry but that it was easy to drink it all up! A baby at the breast is less likely to overfeed because it is harder work to suckle at the breast and therefore when the baby is full, (s)he is likely to come off the breast naturally, thereby limiting the quantity taken.
It is natural for us to be concerned with numbers. We are Singaporeans! Yet, it might work to our detriment, and baby's, to be overly watchful over numbers this early.
Let us illustrate simply because we see it in hospitals all the time.
A newborn baby's stomach is the size of a big pea. Yet, we are feeding a newborn a 30ml bottle of infant formula. Just picture that. Whereas a breastfeeding mom only produces about 1 teaspoon of colostrum in the initial few days, per feeding.
And now we leave you the questions :
Which do you think is more appropriate for the newborn? Could Nature be wrong?
LONDON, Sept. 30 2010 (UPI) --
Bottle feeding infants can put them on the path to a life of heart disease and obesity, a study by British researchers says.
The study by the Institute of Child Health in London says the use of baby formula can cause health problems in later life as children develop unnaturally large appetites, The Guardian reported Thursday.
Overfeeding in infancy causes at least a fifth of adult obesity cases, Professor Atul Singhal from the MRC Childhood Nutrition Research Center says.
Breastfed babies limit their own intake of milk because they have to work hard to get it, Singhal said, whereas bottle-fed babies lie back and take in what they are given.
The danger, Singhal says, is that in being offered more than they need they are building up an appetite for the future.
"When they are exposed to high-protein, high-fat foods, they are more likely to become obese," he says.
"In public-health terms, it supports the case in the general population for breastfeeding -- as it is harder to overfeed a breastfed baby," Singhal says.
© 2010 United Press International, Inc. All Rights Reserved.
The article below is but one of many reports that have cited breastfeeding as the best start in the fight against obesity. In Singapore, the obesity rate was 10.8% in 2010.
Taking it into simple perspective, if you throw a stone into a crowd of people at Orchard Road, for instance, you should be able to hit 1 person in a group of 10 who would very likely be considered obese. You would hit quite a few people who are considered obese, kids and adults alike. The results were similar to those conducted by the Ministry of Education on our students.
Frankly, this would really not be so much a clear cut case of formula versus breastfeeding. Although having said that, exclusively breastfed babies who are fed on demand at the breast, stop feeding on their own when they are full. Whereas it is all too common to hear comments that "my baby takes an hour to finish his/her bottle". We need to ask ourselves why. Whether it is expressed breast milk or formula, if your baby takes longer than 15 minutes or so to finish a bottle, it's likely too much milk.
Therefore, if a baby takes an hour to finish a bottle, would it not be a logical conclusion that perhaps we are forcing baby to take in more than (s)he needs? If a baby is overfed from infancy, it is very likely that we as parents can unwittingly create big appetites in our children which need to be filled as they grow.
It is natural for babies to suck - teat, bottle or otherwise. So if you have a bottle of milk, your baby is likely to suck till it's all gone. Yet, it might not be that your baby was actually that hungry but that it was easy to drink it all up! A baby at the breast is less likely to overfeed because it is harder work to suckle at the breast and therefore when the baby is full, (s)he is likely to come off the breast naturally, thereby limiting the quantity taken.
It is natural for us to be concerned with numbers. We are Singaporeans! Yet, it might work to our detriment, and baby's, to be overly watchful over numbers this early.
Let us illustrate simply because we see it in hospitals all the time.
A newborn baby's stomach is the size of a big pea. Yet, we are feeding a newborn a 30ml bottle of infant formula. Just picture that. Whereas a breastfeeding mom only produces about 1 teaspoon of colostrum in the initial few days, per feeding.
And now we leave you the questions :
Which do you think is more appropriate for the newborn? Could Nature be wrong?
*************
LONDON, Sept. 30 2010 (UPI) --
Bottle feeding infants can put them on the path to a life of heart disease and obesity, a study by British researchers says.
The study by the Institute of Child Health in London says the use of baby formula can cause health problems in later life as children develop unnaturally large appetites, The Guardian reported Thursday.
Overfeeding in infancy causes at least a fifth of adult obesity cases, Professor Atul Singhal from the MRC Childhood Nutrition Research Center says.
Breastfed babies limit their own intake of milk because they have to work hard to get it, Singhal said, whereas bottle-fed babies lie back and take in what they are given.
The danger, Singhal says, is that in being offered more than they need they are building up an appetite for the future.
"When they are exposed to high-protein, high-fat foods, they are more likely to become obese," he says.
"In public-health terms, it supports the case in the general population for breastfeeding -- as it is harder to overfeed a breastfed baby," Singhal says.
© 2010 United Press International, Inc. All Rights Reserved.
THIS IS FOR THE GUYS!
And I don't mean the little kid... I mean the big one!
Yes, YOU, Daddy-O!
Too often, fathers feel sidelined when the baby arrives and mommy breastfeeds exclusively. Then there are those who say, "Yabba-dabba-dooo! Breastfeeding's the wife's department; life goes on for me!" and promptly relinquish all duties to the wife.
Hold your horses, daddies. There's much that you can do, even if you don't breastfeed.
It has been our experience that the more support a wife has from her husband, the higher the likelihood that she would breastfeed longer. How can fathers help?
1. Mother the mother. Bring her a book, food, drinks. Give her a massage. In other words, pamper her. After all, you wouldn't want to have been the one going through the excruciating hours of labour! Or carrying that load around for 9 long months!
2. Father your baby. And fathering your baby does not stop at conception, I might add. Continue to take care of your baby while your wife rests. Change the diapers. Burp your baby. Sling your baby. Play with your baby. All these will help you bond with your baby. No longer do you need to feel ousted.
Yes, YOU, Daddy-O!
Too often, fathers feel sidelined when the baby arrives and mommy breastfeeds exclusively. Then there are those who say, "Yabba-dabba-dooo! Breastfeeding's the wife's department; life goes on for me!" and promptly relinquish all duties to the wife.
Hold your horses, daddies. There's much that you can do, even if you don't breastfeed.
It has been our experience that the more support a wife has from her husband, the higher the likelihood that she would breastfeed longer. How can fathers help?
1. Mother the mother. Bring her a book, food, drinks. Give her a massage. In other words, pamper her. After all, you wouldn't want to have been the one going through the excruciating hours of labour! Or carrying that load around for 9 long months!
2. Father your baby. And fathering your baby does not stop at conception, I might add. Continue to take care of your baby while your wife rests. Change the diapers. Burp your baby. Sling your baby. Play with your baby. All these will help you bond with your baby. No longer do you need to feel ousted. 3. Take charge of the house. Help with household chores if you have no help available. Sweep and mop the floor. Clean the dishes. Cook. Buy the groceries and daily necessities.
4. Support your wife. Be the rock for her especially when well-meaning friends and relatives unwittingly or invariably give disparaging remarks about her breastfeeding attempts. Be the cheerleader for her. Help her look for the necessary support if and when the need arises.
A mother-child breastfeeding bond is strong but you can also build an equally strong bond with your child just by spending time and interacting with your baby.
Remember, not only will breastfeeding build smart brains, but face-to-face time with your baby will enhance the smarts!
So, daddy.... GO FOR IT!!!
Written by : Angeline Wee-Yew , President 2009 -2011
18 January 2011
ONE FOR THE BOYS!
Yet another benefit of breast-feeding: improved academic performance later in childhood, at least for some children.
When they controlled for the mother’s age, education, marital status, family income and other factors, they found that breast-feeding for six months or more was associated with better performance in all four academic skills, but only in boys.
The lead author, Wendy H. Oddy, an associate professor of nutrition at the University of Western Australia, said the reasons for the sex difference were unclear. “We think boys tend to be more vulnerable to stress,” she said. “Female hormones might have a protective effect.”
The study, published in the January issue of Pediatrics, had a number of strengths. It followed children prospectively, and had a large sample. Data was collected close to the time the women stopped nursing. But the scientists were unable to adjust for length of maternity leave, partner support and other factors.
Researchers in Australia recorded the breast-feeding duration of 1,038 babies and then tested their academic performance at age 10 using standardized tests of mathematics, reading, writing and spelling.
When they controlled for the mother’s age, education, marital status, family income and other factors, they found that breast-feeding for six months or more was associated with better performance in all four academic skills, but only in boys. The study, published in the January issue of Pediatrics, had a number of strengths. It followed children prospectively, and had a large sample. Data was collected close to the time the women stopped nursing. But the scientists were unable to adjust for length of maternity leave, partner support and other factors.
“The results add to the strong evidence that breast-feeding as long as possible is beneficial for child health,” Dr. Oddy said, “but particularly for brain development.”
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