Early additional food and fluids for healthy breastfed full-term infants

Abstract

We found no evidence of benefit to newborn infants on the duration of breastfeeding from the brief use of additional water or glucose water. The quality of the evidence on formula supplementation was insufficient to suggest a change in practice away from exclusive breastfeeding. For infants at four to six months, we found no evidence of benefit from additional foods nor any risks related to morbidity or weight change. The majority of studies showed high risk of other bias and most outcomes were based on low-quality evidence which meant that we were unable to fully assess the benefits or harms of supplementation or to determine the impact from timing and type of supplementation. We found no evidence to disagree with the current international recommendation that healthy infants exclusively breastfeed for the first six months.

Parental concerns of allergy or hypersensitivity and the infant’s diet

“…An apparent increase in food allergy has resulted in reconsidering prevention strategies aimed at the infant's diet (Du Toit, Foong, & Lack, ; Gupta & Sicherer, ). Recent research indicates that early introduction of potential allergens in the child's diet (Du Toit et al, ; Netting et al, ), around 4 months of age while the infant continues to breastfeed might protect against developing food allergies (Smith & Becker, ). Whether the age of introduction of complementary food as a means of allergy prevention should be 4 or 6 months has not been established (Abrams, Greenhawt, Fleischer, & Chan, ; Smith & Becker, ).…”

“…Recent research indicates that early introduction of potential allergens in the child's diet (Du Toit et al, ; Netting et al, ), around 4 months of age while the infant continues to breastfeed might protect against developing food allergies (Smith & Becker, ). Whether the age of introduction of complementary food as a means of allergy prevention should be 4 or 6 months has not been established (Abrams, Greenhawt, Fleischer, & Chan, ; Smith & Becker, ). Accordingly, a compromise so far seems to recommend solid food introduction “at around 6 months but not before 4 months,” as in Australasian guidelines (Abrams et al, ).…”

Intravenous immunoglobulin treatment in multiple sclerosis: A prospective, rater‐blinded analysis of relapse rates during pregnancy and the postnatal period

“…IVIg might be an alternative for patients who need treatment. Additionally, IVIg so far seems to be the only possibility to enable sufficient breastfeeding periods of 6 months with the potential to prevent relapses in the postpartum period of women with MS. Data on the utilization of IVIg in pregnancy are still limited; nevertheless, IVIg treatment is a safe treatment option during the gestational period and lactation, and should be considered during and after pregnancy in case of active disease.…”

Improved breastfeeding duration with Baby Friendly Hospital Initiative implementation in a diverse and underserved population

“…[11][12][13][14][25][26][27] However, others found no effect of formula supplementation on breastfeeding outcomes. [28][29][30] It is hypothesized that formula supplementation may interfere with the physiology of milk production because of an interruption of the natural balance between supply and demand. 25 The literature on the effect of inpatient pacifier use on breastfeeding duration is mixed.…”