WAKE-UP CALL FOR BREASTFEEDING MUMS

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 some health practitioners are scaring mums with dated information that breast milk can cause decay, and some are warning to brush the tiny tots’ gums. Research from the 1970s suggested that breast milk pools in the child’s mouth and rots the teeth, similar to a child being left to suck on a bottle. Evidence-based research has since debunked that theory.

“Sadly, I hear all the time about anxious mums thinking they should give up breastfeeding as they don’t want to harm the child,” national breastfeeding expert Pinky McKay 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 that this is a common misconception. “Research strongly opposes the notion that breastfeeding has anything to do with tooth decay.

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

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

Gold Coast mother-offour Brianna Fear-Keen is breastfeeding her 10-weekold twins. The dietitian reads all the latest research and is a strong advocate for breastfeeding.

“There is so much misinformation thrown around when it comes to new mums. They are struggling enough at times and don’t need to feel unnecessarily worried,” she said.