A study in Perth, Australia found that male infants were more likely to be weaned at any time before 6 months of age than female infants. The 556 women in the study were followed from discharge until 6 months postpartum, or until they ceased to breastfeed. At discharge 83.8% of women were breastfeeding their infants (83.0% boys vs 84.6% girls). At 3 months 61.8% of mothers were either fully or partially breastfeeding (58.5% boys vs 64.8% girls), and by 6 months the percentage had fallen to 49.9% (43.5% boys vs 55.7% girls). It was suggested that mothers and/or health workers perceive that male infants have higher nutritional needs and should therefore receive non-breastmilk fluids and foods earlier than female infants.
-Birth, Vol. 26 No. 4, Dec. 1999
Reprinted from Midwifery Today E-News (Vol 2 Issue 3, Jan 21, 2000)
To subscribe to the E-News write: enews@midwiferytoday.com
For all other matters contact Midwifery Today:
PO Box 2672-940, Eugene OR 97402
541-344-7438, midwifery@aol.com, Midwifery Today
|
|