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.
