from journal Pediatrics
Pediatricians have long advocated breast feeding, and now the current journal Pediatrics has published a supplement to further explain the benefits of breast feeding. Using data from a study of Infant Feeding Practices up to the age of one year, mothers were re-contacted six years later. Among the findings is that the longer a mother breastfeeds and waits to introduce foods and drinks other than breast milk, the less were chances her child would have ear, throat and sinus infections at age six. Children who breastfeed longer consume water, fruit and vegetables more often at age six and consume fruit juice and sugar-sweetened beverages less often. The authors say the study emphasizes the need to establish healthy eating behaviors early in life, since it predicts eating behaviors later in life. Pediatrics is the journal of the American Academy of Pediatrics.