Sir, – In Saturday’s opinion piece “A new study suggests breastfeeding produces smarter kids but that’s not actually what it says” (Opinion & Analysis, June 17th), Clare Moriarty correctly critiques the coverage of the study. While the claims may not stand up to scrutiny, it is ironic that she then goes on to disregard years of breastfeeding research by stating that breastfeeding’s vital role for normal development is surely a stretch.
The overwhelming body of scientific research about breastfeeding highlights the significant benefits that it brings, perhaps best summarised by Dr Ruth Petersen, director of the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Division of Nutrition, Physical Activity, and Obesity: “Breastfeeding provides unmatched health benefits for babies and mothers. It is the clinical gold standard for infant feeding and nutrition, with breast milk uniquely tailored to meet the health needs of a growing baby.”
Dr Moriarty also believes that formula milk is unfairly stigmatised in terms of marketing restrictions placed on it. In contrast, the World Health Organisation is unequivocal in its call to end all advertising or other promotion of formula milk products.
There are many reasons why some mothers are unable to breastfeed, choose to finish their breastfeeding journey early or opt to combine breastfeeding with use of formula, and it is very important to recognise and respect that. At the same time we cannot simply ignore the numerous benefits it provides.
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Ireland has extremely low breastfeeding rates by international standards, with only 15 per cent of mothers breastfeeding exclusively at six months. Dr Moriarty states that our lower rates are a reflection of Irish society’s view that it’s the right choice for their family. But what it is about Irish societal attitudes that stand in stark contrast with Norway, where 78 per cent of babies are breastfed at six months exclusively. There are some simple answers – the restricted promotion of formula milk products and proper funding to train healthcare professionals to support mothers – both of which are in the hands of the state to tackle.
This is a complex topic, but I feel discussing the failings of the Irish State in supporting breastfeeding families and the marketing tactics of the Irish formula industry would be a better use of your column inches. – Yours, etc,
AILBHE O’REILLY,
Foxrock,
Dublin 18.
Sir, – Clare Moriarty argues that Ireland’s low breastfeeding rate may simply reflect the informed choice that families have made.
She criticises “heavy handed” official recommendations to breastfeed, but clearly the guidance is not working here or in the UK (1 per cent), though women in Australia (30 per cent), New Zealand (44 per cent) and the US (27 per cent) make different choices.
More babies are fed commercial breastmilk substitutes than ever before; the industry has grown five-fold over two decades and spends €6 billion every year on marketing.
However, the marketing never includes the research finding, reported in The Lancet, that low rates and short duration of breastfeeding are major contributors to the current high incidence of breast cancer in developed countries. – Yours, etc,
Dr JOHN DOHERTY,
Gaoth Dobhair,
Co Dhún na nGall.