Lactation Consultants Applaud New WHO Growth Charts

New infant growth charts released by the World Health Organization on April 27, 2006.

(PRWEB) May 4, 2006 -- The International Lactation Consultant Association (ILCA) announces its enthusiasm for the new infant growth charts released by the World Health Organization on April 27, 2006, and encourages all health providers to begin using them as a standard part of their assessment of appropriate infant and child growth.

The new growth charts replace the decades old charts that were based on a small sample of exclusive formula-fed infants. According to the president of ILCA, Australian Sue Cox, the old growth charts have set up inaccurate standards for child growth and, in the process, may have contributed to both the lower rates of breastfeeding and to childhood obesity around the world. Research studies show that formula fed infants tend to gain excessive weight because of their higher energy intake.

“Exclusive breastfeeding is the biological norm for human infants, and assessing appropriate infant growth and development should be based on that biological norm,” says Cox. “Research is clear that exclusively breastfed infants are leaner, and are less likely to become obese both as infants and throughout childhood and adolescence.”

The old growth charts, in contrast, established formula feeding infant growth as the norm. As a result, says Cox, many breastfeeding mothers were incorrectly advised to “fatten” up their infants by giving them formula supplements or offering solid foods before 6 months. Replacing or “topping off” breastmilk feedings with supplements leads to a decline in breastmilk production, and Cox speculated that this may be one of the contributing factors to shortened duration rates of breastfeeding.

The new WHO growth charts were based on growth rates of 8,000 healthy breastfed infants in 6 countries across the world. The charts reflect current research which shows that breastfed babies are leaner. Although there are several theories as to the exact mechanism that contributes to lower obesity rates, experts believe that the breastfed infant’s ability to self-regulate their energy intake to lower levels may be a key.

The WHO recommends that babies receive nothing but breastmilk for the first 6 months of life, with continued breastfeeding once complementary foods begins for at least 2 years. Babies who are breastfed are less likely to experience illnesses and disease, and mothers who breastfeed are less likely to experience breast cancer and other health issues.

Cox says ILCA, which represents 4,000+ International Board Certified Lactation Consultants in 40 countries, is pleased with the new growth charts, and believes they represent a historic change in the establishment of breastfeeding as the norm for infant growth and development. “We look forward to the day when mothers everywhere can feel confident that they are giving their babies the very best start in life possible.”

ILCA, the professional association for International Board Certified Lactation Consultants (IBCLCs) and other healthcare professionals who serve mothers and babies, provides a user-friendly “Find a Lactation Consultant Directory” of available IBCLCs worldwide who can assist new mothers or local organizations with lactation. To access an IBCLC in your community, or to learn more about promoting, protection, and supporting breastfeeding, visit the ILCA website at www.ilca.org, or contact the ILCA Office at (919) 787-5181, ext. 209.

CONTACT

Jim Smith, Executive Director

International Lactation Consultant Association

(919) 787-5181, ext. 209

ILCA Press Room - www.ilca.org

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