Neurological differences between 9 year-old children fed breast- milk or formula as babies. Lanting, C.I. et al. The Lancet. 344: 1319-1322, 1994
This Dutch retrospective study looked at the effect of breastfeeding on the neurological development of children at age 9. A total of 135 breastfed and 391 formula fed children, after adjustment for obstetric, perinatal, neonatal, neurological and social differences were given a follow-up neurological examination after 9 years. Children fed with formula milk or formula supplemented to breastmilk within the first 3 weeks of life were found to have twice the rate of minor neurological dysfunction as compared to children fully breastfed at least for the first 21 days of life. The authors suggest that the presence and severity of minor neurological dysfunction is related to behavioral and cognitive development at school age. Three possible mechanisms for the difference are suggested. Firstly, the psychosocial feature of breastfeeding. Secondly, maternal hormones such as the thyroid stimulating hormones secreted through breastmilk may have an impact. Thirdly, the beneficial effects of essential long chain fatty acids (arachidonic, docosahexaenoic) known to be present in breastmilk and missing in most infant formulas. These essential fatty acids are needed for the structural development of brain and neural tissue.
Epidemiology of necrotizing enterocolitis. Kosloske, A.M. Acta Paediatr Suppl 396: 2-7, 1994
Necrotizing enterocolitis(NEC) has emerged as the most common gastrointestinal emergency in neonatal intensive care units (NICU). Approximately 90% of NEC victims are premature infants, with a mortality rate of 20-40% of cases. Author Kosloske reviews two schools of thought on the pathogenic factors common to NEC patients. Firstly, that NEC is attributable to three common factors : (1) injury to the intestinal mucosa, (2) the presence of bacteria and (3) formula feeding. NEC rarely appears in infants fed breastmilk. Breastmilk contains beneficial factors, macrophages, secretory immunoglobulin A, lactoferrin and other substances which play a protective role. The second hypothesis for the pathogenesis of NEC is based on the theory of massive bacterial colonization of the vulnerable premature gut. Human milk can prevent NEC by enhancing the defence capabilities of the premature intestinal system. Both theories substantiate the importance of breastmilk in the prevention of NEC.
Are fathers prepared to encourage their partners to breast feed? A study about fathers' knowledge of breastfeeding. Giugliani, E.R.J. et al. Acta Paediatr 83: 1127-1131, 1994
This USA study, done at the John Hopkins Hospital in Maryland, asked the question: are fathers prepared to influence a mothers' infant feeding decision and are they able to provide support for those who choose to breastfeed? A sample of 92 fathers of breastfeeding newborns and 89 fathers of bottle feeding infants answered self-administered questionnaires. Demographic differences between the two groups found fathers of breastfeeding infants to be older and more educated. The most frequently cited support activities were, helping position the mother and baby pair and giving psychological support. Also, fathers of breastfed infants were more likely to give correct answers on questions relating to breastfeeding knowledge, had better understanding of the benefits of breastfeeding and of breastfeeding physiology. Less than half of fathers of bottle fed babies were aware of the benefits of breastfeeding to child and mother and less than one third knew that breastfed babies had a lower risk for disease, compared to bottle fed babies. To better prepare fathers for their support role and to avoid feelings of being "left out", the authors recommend that fathers be given opportunity to become more knowledgable. Prenatal classes and other prenatal interventions provide a unique opportunity.