A survey of 1,251 mothers with babies in Sweden found that 48 percent of the children were given small amounts of solid food to try as early as the fourth month. The earlier infants tasted, the earlier they began to eat larger amounts. This eventually led to earlier cessation of breastfeeding and shorter breastfeeding durations, researchers write in the International Breastfeeding Journal. However, according to other studies, almost all women wish to breastfeed their child, and official bodies such as the World Health Organization advise babies to be exclusively breastfed for six months whenever possible.
“We know that breastfeeding has many health benefits for both the child and the mother,” said midwife Eva-Lotta Funkquist: Breast milk contains antibodies that protect the child from infections such as pneumonia and urinary tract infections during breastfeeding. It also reduces the child’s risk of developing cardiovascular disease, obesity and diabetes later in life. Women also benefit: breastfeeding means they have a lower risk of cardiovascular disease, ovarian cancer, breast cancer and type 2 diabetes. In addition, breastfeeding is easy, requires no utensils and is free.
Which: DOI 10.1186/s13006-023-00544-6
