Bookmark this website, https://infantfeedingmatters.com for various relevant blogs, NOW, then check the archives for relevant comment–e.g., https://infantfeedingmatters.com/2015/10/24/four-months-or-six-or-neither-when-to-widen-the-milk-diet/
In my presentations at the April 2016 LCGB conference, I discovered that some UK NHS staff remain unaware of the excellent programmes on infant feeding produced for the e-Learning for Health (e-LfH) programme under the auspices of the RCPCH. I had some input into the modules on both breastfeeding and formula feeding at the request of one of the major authors, Professor Mary Renfrew, then at the University of York (now at Dundee). So this list begins with that reference, which I strongly recommend to all who can access it. There are not many ‘official’ programmes on infant formula which begin with the literal truth: that formula programmes infant growth and development on trajectories different from those of breastfed infants, provides no immune protection, and is “always an inferior choice for the infant.” GO TO https://portal.e-lfh.org.uk/Dashboard; search for Healthy Child Programme HCP 08 – Growth and Nutrition – and do the FREE infant feeding modules
First Steps Nutrition Trust materials are also invaluable for those interested in infant feeding (https://www.firststepsnutrition.org)
Some amazing online material from a wide variety of places was mentioned in the presentations for the conference, and some can be found at the following –
- www.nature.com/news/epigenome-the-symphony-in-your-cells-1.16955 (epigenetics illustrated)
- https://www.nestle.com/media/newsandfeatures/epigenetics-infographic (spot the extraordinary gaffe at the end of an excellent depiction of a complex reality)
- https://discovermagazine.com/2009/oct/03-sea-change-challenging-biologys-central-dogma (Micro RNA)
- https://cosmosmagazine.com/life-sciences/microbial-gangs-are-organised-killers (Biofilms)
- https://www.nature.com/news/sperm-rna-carries-marks-of-trauma-1.15049
- https://www.nature.com/news/epigenetics-the-sins-of-the-father-1.14816
- https://www.genomebiology.com/2015/16/1/211 doi:10.1186/s13059-015-0763-5
- https://www.nejm.org/doi/suppl/10.1056/NEJMoa1514210/suppl_file/nejmoa1514210_protocol.pdf (LEAP Protocol)
- https://healthandenvironmentonline.com/2012/10/09/shifting-the-curve-how-small-changes-in-individuals-have-large-effects-in-populations/ (the answer to idiots who say a few IQ points/small outcome differences don’t matter)
- https://www.maternal-and-early-years.org.uk/breastfeeding-summit-shifting-the-curve-sharing-the-challenge (Scottish Summit 2015)
A few books were also mentioned:
Saadeh R. Complementary Feeding: family foods for breastfed children. (WHO Geneva 2000). Update the recommendation to 6 months, but very practical. Online at https://www.who.int/nutrition/publications/infantfeeding/WHO_NHD_00.1/en/
My Child Won’t Eat! by sensible Spanish paediatrician Carlos Gonzalez is good for picky eaters; you can read about Gonzalez at https://www.theguardian.com/lifeandstyle/2012/may/28/carlos-gonzalez-doctor-parents=break-rules
BMJ Rapid responses to Fewtrell et al 2011: read at https://www.bmj.com/content/342/bmj.c5955.long/reply#bmj_el_248476
Some articles mentioned:
- Cabrera-Rubio R, Collado MC, Laitinen K, Salminen S, et al. The human milk microbiome changes over lactation and is shaped by maternal weight and mode of delivery. Am J Clin Nutr 2012; 96 (3): 544 . DOI: 10.3945/ajcn.112.037382. [Milk Matters p. 35}
- Fleming AS, O’Day DH, Kraemer GW. Neurobiology of mother-infant interactions: experience and CNS plasticity across development and generations. Neurosci Biobehav Rev 1999; 23(5):673–85. DOI: 10.1016/S0149-7634(99)00011-1
- Walker WA, Shuba Iyengar R. Breastmilk, Microbiota and Intestinal Immune Homeostasis. (PMID:25310762) Pediatr Res 2014. DOI:10.1038/pr.2014.160. (when is dysbiosis eubiosis?)
- Challenge and change all equation of formula and milk: eg, https://www.unicef.org.uk/Documents/Baby_Friendly/Leaflets/introducing-solid-foods.pdf which says ‘breastmilk or infant formula’ as though there is a basis for having the same recommendations for both – there isn’t.
- Cattaneo et al, ESPGHAN’s 2008 recommendation for early introduction of complementary foods: how good is the evidence? MCN (2011), 7: 335-343.