The age-old advice given to mothers to exclusively breastfeed during their baby's first six months of life is being challenged by British researchers. Their research found babies fed only breast milk through six months of age were more prone to allergies, less likely to try new tastes and/or suffer iron deficiency.
But Dr. Sara Pendleton, Director of Pediatrics at Genesys Health System argues against the British study. She says there's a plan in place to assure mothers their infants are getting the proper nutrition they need.
"In the U.S. we recommend supplementing iron at four months of age and we test for iron deficiency as well," Dr. Pendleton, Director of Pediatrics at Genesys Health System said. "I think it would be less of a concern here in America."
The study suggests mothers begin introducing solid foods to their babies at four month of age. In some cases, Dr. Pendleton agrees.
"if you have celiac disease in your family history then you might consider introducing foods within four to six months."
Statistics show Three of every four women start out breastfeeding and at the end of six months that number drops to just 43% and just 13% of that number are babies who are exclusively breastfed.
As for now though, breastfeeding experts say more work is needed within the British study. And for those mothers who are confused, Dr. Pendleton says it all comes down to this fact... breast is still best.
"I think as long as we take the appropriate precautions that are in place and we increase awareness of what need to make sure that everybody can do it safely we can realize the benefits of exclusive breastfeeding and also protect any potential illness the study suggests," Dr. Pendleton said.
