The rediscovery of breast feeding
Roy, C.C.; Myres, A.W.; Ste-Marie, M.T.; Pencharz, P.; Haworth, J.
Canadian Medical Association Journal 119(2): 109-113
1978
ISSN/ISBN: 0008-4409 PMID: 567092 Document Number: 127536
This editorial, by the nutrition committee of the Canadian Paediatric Society, outlines the advantages of breast feeding (or feedingbanked human milk) vs. commercial infant formulas, particularly for the pre-term infant. The widespread belief that human milk has an inadequate Fe content has been disproved in recent studies which confirm that although the Fe content is low, it has a high bioavailability and is able to satisfy the infant's needs during the first 4-6 months. Similarly the discovery of a water-soluble vitamin D sulphate in human milk has shown the reason why human infants do not become vitamin D deficient. The protective effect of human milk against gastrointestinal and respiratory infections is also discussed. Psychological advantages of breast feeding are pointed out, and reasons for the decline in breast feeding are discussed. Methods which will help to encourage breast feeding are suggested.