Creating
doubt about
breastfeeding
A September 10, 2001, article in the National Post was headlined “How much of a good thing?” and subtitled: “The benefits of mother’s milk are being disputed again, as two separate studies suggest that breastfeeding may make infants prone to allergies, asthma or coronary disease.”
The article mentions the study by Lucas mentioned above, without mentioning that it was funded by formula manufacturers. The author, a freelancer, describes the study this way: “British researchers have linked breast-feeding to early signs of coronary artery disease.” The article also highlights an unpublished study from McMaster University, without giving the names of the researchers or the sources of funding. It is this second study that purports to show higher rates of allergies and asthma in breastfed babies � something that is contradicted by all the peer-reviewed, published research available.
This article, with its inflammatory headline and the accompanying photo of a smiling mother feeding her baby with a bottle, is certain to create doubt and concern in the minds of expectant and new mothers.
Let’s hope that the more responsible stance taken by the medical journal editors will filter down to other media so that research funded by formula companies will no longer be used to discourage breastfeeding.
References
Picard A. Medical journals set stricter rules for studies. The Globe and Mail: September 10, 2001
Laurance J. Drug firms fund biased research, warns editors. The Independent: September 10, 2001
www.BMJ.com
www.TheLancet.com
