Mothers' anger at breastfeeding confusion

MOTHERS besieged internet forums and radio phone-ins yesterday toexpress their frustration at the latest scientific controversy aboutbreastfeeding.

In a review of existing evidence published yesterday, a team atthe University of London's Childhood Nutrition Research Centresuggested that mothers should not follow official advicerecommending that they exclusively breastfeed for the first sixmonths.

Instead, the study claimed mothers could increase their baby'sprotection from allergies and increase their chances of eating ahealthier diet later by introducing solid food at the age of fourmonths. While maintaining its six-month advice, the UK Department ofHealth said a scientific study already investigating infant feedingwould look into the research.

The Royal College of Midwives, Royal College of Paediatrics andChild Health, and National Childbirth Trust criticised the new paperand backed the status quo.

Stuck in the middle, mothers debated the merits of both sides,with many airing their irritation at the confusion.

"The thing is these things always change," complained one motheron Mumsnet. "I knew this six months thing would be discredited atsome point. Then a new idea will come along and that will bediscredited and so on and so forth."

Joanne Leaver-Cole, from London, emailed the BBC: "What should Ido? This is extremely stressful as the evidence is so polarised. Ihave even received mixed messages from healthcare professionals."

The Government introduced the guideline eight years ago after theWorld Health Organisation backed breastfeeding to six monthsfollowing a review of 16 studies.