Breastfeeding Controversy

This is very disturbing. There are hundreds of studies proving the benefits of breastfeeding. I hope this ONE study doesn't discourage people. I also don't understand why this article says you should wean your baby at four months. Why can't you just introduce solids at four months instead of six months? Why would you have to stop breastfeeding altogether? It doesn't make sense to me. What are you thoughts?

FROM NBC: A new study published in the British Medical Journal has new moms wondering how long they should breast-feed their babies. Sejal Karia from our British news partner ITN has more. For years new moms have been told exclusive breastfeeding in the first six months of a baby's life is best.

But controversially, a new report is now questioning that official advice, saying feeding nothing but breast milk may have downsides. And moms should consider weaning their babies earlier. Dr. Mary Fewtrell: report author: "It's highly likely, given babies are all very different, they grow at different rates, the mother's milk has a different composition, it's highly likely that their need for solids is going to occur at a different point."

The study says babies who are exclusively breastfeed for six months could suffer from an iron deficiency. They may also be more prone to allergies and are also less likely to try new tastes as they grow in particular green, leafy vegetables, when they're moved on to solids.

Sejal Karia, ITV news: "Today's research says rather than keeping babies away from food for the first six months, if they're weaned early from about four months onwards, they might have a healthier diet as they grow older. Advice that's contradicted what new moms have been told for almost a decade."

In what is already a highly contentious issue, many new moms we spoke to say this study simply adds to their confusion. Mother: "I think it's quite stressful especially as a new mom without having any previous experience or anything about, because you're just bombarded. And a lot of it's conflicting."

Mother: "Every generation they say different things. So I just think you have to follow the signs of your baby." But breastfeeding experts say this research still doesn't give clear answers and that more work is still needed. Emma Pickett/ Association of breast-feeding mothers: "So at the moment hold off. Don't panic. Do what you're doing anyway. Follow your instincts. Follow the information you're currently being given by your healthcare professionals."

For the moment, the Department of Health is sticking to its advice too, that breast is best for the first six-months.

-NewsAnchorMom Jen

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