Push to spread truth about breastfeeding

NEW mums are being bombarded with ill-advised warnings that babies who fall asleep on the breast while feeding end up with tooth decay.

An Australian breastfeeding expert says that some health practitioners are scaring new mums with dated information that breastmilk can cause decay and some are warning to brush the tiny tots gums.

Research from the 1970s suggested that breastmilk pools in the child’s mouth and rots the teeth, similar to a child being left to suck on a bottle. But evidencebased research has since debunked that theory.

National breastfeeding expert Pinky McKay said there was some incorrect information.

“Sadly, I hear all the time about anxious mums thinking they should give up breastfeeding as they don’t want to harm the child,” she said.

“It is very concerning that some medics cite old studies and don’t keep up with research. Sucking on a bottle and sucking on the breast are completely different. In bottle-feeding the milk is released into the front of the mouth and sits around the teeth but in breastfeeding, the nipple is drawn far back into the mouth and the milk is released into the throat.”

The Australian Breastfeeding Association confirms this is a common misconception.

“Research strongly opposes the notion that breastfeeding has anything to do with tooth decay,’’ a spokeswoman said.

“This evidence includes population studies which have shown no relationship between breastfeeding and tooth decay in large groups of young children.”

The association wants mothers to know that research suggests breastfeeding may protect against tooth decay while formula may play a role in its development. Antibodies in breastmilk help to impede bacterial growth.