|
|
|
||
Cohen, R. et al. Am J Health Promot 10:148-153, 1995
lthough the authors caution that this is a
preliminary study, its outcome is of interest to those developing
workplace and breastfeeding policies. The study compared the number
of illness episodes and maternal absenteeism directly related
to child care in two US corporations. A sample of 101 mothers,
59 breastfeeding and 42 using artificial feeding were self selected.
Of the 28 per cent of infants with no illnesses, 86 per cent were
breastfed and 14 per cent were artificially fed. In comparing
maternal absentee rates, 25 per cent of all one day abstentions
were among the breastfeeding group and 75 per cent were among
the bottle fed.
Implications
of this study, if replicated, the authors conclude, show that
women who breastfeed their babies are absent from work less frequently
and for shorter duration because their babies are sick less frequently
and less severely than those who are bottle fed. Such outcomes
can have a significant impact on the development of workplace
policies for breastfeeding women. Workplace breastfeeding policies
programs may be beneficial to the employer.
Potur, A. H. et al. Journal of Tropical Ped 42,173-175,1996
his study investigated feeding errors associated
with artificial supplementary feeding in a population of 206 Turkish
infants. Findings showed only 45 per cent of infants to be exclusively
breastfed. Of those using artificial milks, 51 per cent were found
to be incorrectly diluted. Twenty eight infants had received reconstituted
cow's milk powder of which 68 per cent was incorrectly mixed with
18 per cent under diluted and 50 per cent over diluted.
The authors
concluded that during the first four months infants should be
exclusively breastfed. Infants should receive supplementary feeds
only when indicated and instructions on packaging should
be designed to ensure correct preparation.
Wang, Y. S. et al. Journal of Human Lactation 12: 27-30, 1996
n response to concerns in China that not supplementing
babies early and that exclusive breastfeeding might lead to undernourishment,
the researchers looked at the growth and development of exclusively
breastfed babies in comparison to partially breastfed infants.
The sample consisted of 145 normal, fullterm infants of which
57 were exclusively breastfed and 83 partially breastfed. At four
months, the exclusively breastfed infants had growth rates favourable
to the normal standards found in Shanghai and significantly higher
than the non-exclusively breastfed babies. Nearly 80 per cent
of the exclusive group was able to pass all the items in the chronological
age or older tests, compared to 64 per cent of the supplemented
group. At one year, the exclusively breastfed group scored higher
on behavioural and physical development tests and the mean cumulative
incidence of infectious diseases over the first year was lower
than for the supplemented group.
Confirming
other studies finding Bailey Mental Development Index scores higher
in exclusively breastfed infants, the authors conclude a positive
relationship between benefits and exclusive breastfeeding. "Breastmilk
has much higher concentration of taurine, essential lipids, and
lactose than any other animal milk. The results of this study
provide evidence for mothers and their care providers in promoting
a more ideal breastfeeding behaviour."
|