References and Commentary

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References on Breastfeeding

There have been a number of interesting articles concerned with breast feeding in recent  months.

1. Donath SM, Amir LH. Breastfeeding and the introduction of solids in  Australian infants: data from the 2001 National Health Survey. Aust N Z J Public Health. 2005 Apr;29(2):171-5.

In Australia, breastfeeding incidence (at birth) and prevalence in the following months have shown little change in recent years. However the figures are well above those seen in many European countries but below those in Scandinavia. At discharge from hospital, 83.3% of infants were breastfeeding, which is similar to estimates from the 1995 National Health Survey. At 13 weeks postpartum, 64.3% were breastfeeding, 49.0% at 25 weeks and 24.9% were continuing to breastfeed at one year. At 25 weeks, 18.4% of infants were fully breastfed. Solid food was being offered regularly to 15.2% of infants at 13 weeks and 88.0% by 26 weeks. Unfortunately, comparable figures are not available for all countries.

2. Review Horvath A, Koletzko B, Kalisz M, Szajewska H. Arch Pediatr Adolesc Med. 2005 Jun;159(6):597-8. Paper from Spain: Martin-Calama J, Bunuel J, Valero MT, Labay M, Lasarte JJ, Valle F, de Miguel C. The effect of feeding glucose water to breastfeeding newborns on weight, body temperature, blood glucose, and breastfeeding duration. J Hum Lact. 1997 Sep;13(3):209-13.

A systematic review to determine whether giving water or similar fluids to breast fed babies had an adverse effect on the subsequent success of the lactation—a commonly expressed view. The authors found only one study that met their strict criteria; it was from Spain, and they had some reservations about this one, too. Among those who received water, formula feeding was more common at 4 weeks (34% cf 18%) and fewer were still exclusively breast fed at 6 months. The reviewers stress the need for a further controlled randomised trial.

3. James DC, Dobson B; American Dietetic Association. Position of the American Dietetic Association: Promoting and supporting Breastfeeding. J Am Diet Assoc. 2005 May;105(5):810-8.

The American Dietetic Association has issued a position statement on breastfeeding. The position statement is similar to that of many groups but this one is from an authoritative source. Many communities throughout the world, including USA, do not meet current guidelines expressed by WHO and numerous national organizations.

References chosen for the website by B. Wharton, June 2005.