PEDIATRICS Vol. 74 No. 4 October 1984, pp. 589-590
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INTRODUCTION

This report focuses on the recent scientific literature concerning infant feeding worldwide. The first four papers examine infant-feeding practices in the United States; the last five papers focus on such practices in developing countries.

DOMESTIC REPORT

The domestic section of the report examines the available literature from industrialized countries that may be relevant to the United States' situation. In brief, the findings of the domestic report are that the evidence is generally inconclusive that breast-feeding has a large, positive effect on infant health in the United States. Modest protective effects may exist with regard to gastroenteritis. The evidence is somewhat stronger among American Indian and Alaskan native populations in which risk of infant morbidity and mortality is high. Little information exists on the effects in disadvantaged urban groups. The available evidence concerning trends in infant-feeding practices indicates that the rate and duration of breast-feeding are increasing, especially among the more affluent groups. The evidence is less clear among the disadvantaged. In general, lower socioeconomic groups are less likely to breast-feed.

INTERNATIONAL REPORT

The international section of the report examines some of the central issues regarding methods of infant feeding in the developing world and discusses the implications of the findings.

In developing countries, where infant mortality is much higher than in the United States, the potential for breast-feeding to be an important determinant of infant survival is much greater. Sanitation is likely to be poorer; traditional foods offered in lieu of breast milk are likely to be nutritionally deficient; and commercial formula—if available and used—is more likely to be inappropriately diluted and stored.