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Will introducing the new World Health Organization growth reference to Australia reduce breastfeeding rates: why not

Colin Binns1, Mi Kyung Lee

  • 1School of Public Health, Curtin Health Innovation Research Institute, Curtin University Health Sciences, Murdoch University, Perth, Western Australia, Australia. c.binns@murdoch.edu.au

Journal of Paediatrics and Child Health
|December 14, 2011
PubMed

Insights

The new World Health Organization (WHO) growth reference may negatively impact breastfeeding rates in Australia. Further research is needed to assess potential adverse effects on infant feeding practices.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric Growth Monitoring
  • Public Health Nutrition
  • Infant Feeding Practices

Background:

  • The World Health Organization (WHO) has recommended a new global growth reference.
  • Australia has historically used different growth references for infant assessment.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review the implications of adopting the new WHO growth reference in Australia.
  • To assess the potential impact on breastfeeding rates within the first six months of life.

Main Methods:

  • Comparative analysis of infant growth velocity and trajectory.
  • Evaluation against previously used Australian growth references and the new WHO standard.

Main Results:

  • The new WHO growth reference indicates heavier infant weights in the first six months compared to Australian standards.
  • This discrepancy may lead to more infants being classified with poor growth.
  • Increased classifications of poor growth could result in additional feeding or cessation of breastfeeding.

Conclusions:

  • A randomized controlled trial is recommended before implementing the new WHO growth reference.
  • Such trials are crucial to ensure no adverse effects on breastfeeding maintenance.
  • Protecting breastfeeding is vital for infant health outcomes.
Abstract

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