Maternal diet and breastfeeding: A case for rethinking physiological explanations for breastfeeding determinants

Source: Early Human Development, 2011, doi:10.1016/j.earlhumdev.2011.11.002 (in press)

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Date of publication: November, 2011.

Publication type: Research.

In a nutshell: This paper examines the relationship between maternal diet and duration of breastfeeding.  The authors found that although there was a correlation between higher maternal vegetable & fruit intake and longer breastfeeding, there was no causal relationship.  However, it was noted that a broader understanding of the social determinants of breastfeeding is needed.

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Fortification of maternal milk for very low birth weight (VLBW) pre-term neonates

Source: Early Human Development

Early Human Development, 2010, (in press) doi:10.1016/j.earlhumdev.2010.01.006

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Date of publication: Article in press

Publication type: Journal article

In a nutshell:

This research suggests that fortified human milk should be used in cases of infants with a very low birth weight to ensure adequate protein and energy for the infants’ nutritional requirements and growth.

Length of publication: 4 pages

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Concerns over increase in rickets among ethnic groups

Source: BBC News

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Date of publication: March 2010

Publication type: News story

In a nutshell: Pregnant and breastfeeding women, particular those from Asian and Afro -Caribbean backgrounds, are being urged to take vitamin D supplements to ensure their babies get enough to avoid vitamin D deficiency problems such as rickets. 

Length of publication: 1 page

UNICEF response to new research suggesting fatty acids not linked to intelligence

Source: UNICEF UK Baby Friendly Initiative

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Date of publication: January 2010

Publication type: New story

In a nutshell: UNICEF UK gives its response to new research regarding fatty acids and intelligence.  It points to previous research which suggests a link between breastfeeding and higher IQ.

Length of publication: 1 page

Breast milk as the gold standard for protective nutrients

Source: Journal of Pediatrics

Journal of Pediatrics, Volume 156, Issue 2, Supplement 1, pp. S1-S7

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Date of publication:

Publication type: Journal artilce

In a nutshell: An overview of the benefits of breastfeeding with regards to its evolving and adapting composition and nutritional value for the newborn.

Length of publication: 7 pages

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‘I don’t need anybody to tell me what I should be doing’: a discursive analysis of maternal accounts of (mis)trust of healthy eating information

Source: Appetite

Appetite. Available online 17 February 2010. 

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Date of publication: February 2010

Publication type: Journal article

In a nutshell: This research looked at attitudes to healthy eating information by mothers.  It suggests that inconsistencies and perceived bias in such information, coupled with a personal sense of  ‘mothering instinct’ has made mothers suspicious of nutritional advice with regards to infant nutrition.  The researchers conclude that information strategies should be designed to support and not threaten the mother’s intuitive attitude to feeding.

Length of publication: 9 pages

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Breastfeeding facilitates acceptance of a novel dietary flavour compound

Source: e-SPEN, the European e-Journal of Clinical Nutrition and Metabolism

e-SPEN, the European e-Journal of Clinical Nutrition and Metabolism, October 2009, Volume 4, Issue 5, pp.e231-e238

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Date of publication: October 2009

Publication type: Journal article

In a nutshell: This study examines whether infants  learn to accept flavours via exposure to flavour in mother’s milk.  Results suggest that breastfeeding helps the acceptance of unusual flavours. though the effect is not necessarily due to exposure to specific flavour compounds

Length of publication: 8 pages

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Nutrition in early life: a global priority

Source:  The Lancet

The Lancet, October 2009, 374 (9696), pp. 1123-1125

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Date of publication: October 2009

Publication type:  Editorial/Comment

In a nutshell: This article looks at the global perspectives of the importance of good nutrition in the first 2 years of life, in the face of future potential food crises.

Length of publication: 2 pages

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