Benefits of Breastfeeding, Annotated Bibliography Example

Andresen, E., Rollins, N., Sturm, A., Conana, N., & Greiner, T. (2007, December 6). Bacterial

Contamination and Over-Dilution of Commercial Infant Formula Prepared by HIV-Infected Mothers in a Prevention of Mother-to-Child Transmission (PMTCT) Programme, South Africa. Journal of Tropical Pediatrics Advance Access , 1-6.

Explanation:  This source discusses the crucial aspect proper infant food preparation plays in reducing morbidity and mortality in infant populations. It describes how infant formula can become contaminated with fecal bacteria, as well as how formula that has too high or too low of a concentration can harm infants and young children.  The authors speak from authority,   some writing from the Department of Women’s and Children’s Health, Uppsala University and the rest from the Departments of Paediatrics and Child Health, and Medical Microbiology, The University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa.

Badger, T. M., Gilchrist, J. M., Pivik, T. R., Andres, A., Shankar, K., Chen, J.-R., et al. (2009). The health implications of soy infant formula. American Journal of Clinical Nutrition , 89 (5), 1668S-1672S.

Explanation: This source uses data from a longitudinal study comparing breastfed, and formula fed infants and young children, along with studies of breastfed and formula fed pigs to determine whether or not soy formula hurts infant development. It concludes that infants fed with soy formula develop normally and that pigs given formula actually receive developmental benefits, such as higher bone quality. The authors are from the Arkansas Children’s Nutrition Center and the Departments of Pediatrics.

Bongers, M. E., de Lorijin, F., Reitsma, J. B., Groeneweg, M., Taminiau, J. A., & Benninga, M. (2007). The clinical effect of a new infant formula in term infants with constipation: a double-blinded, randomized cross-over trial. Nutrition Journal , 6 (8), 1475-2891.

Explanation: This source discusses problems with constipation in formula-fed infants and notes that constipation is more common in formula-fed babies than breastfed infants. It argues that studying the different structures of formula and breast milk may help solve the problem. Its authors are doctors and scholars from Emma Children’s Hospital, Academic Medical Centre.

Cattaneo, A. (2008). The benefits of breastfeeding or the harm of formula feeding? Journal of Paediatrics and Child Health , 44, 1-2.

Explanation: This source argues that simply saying that breastfeeding is best is not enough and that parents should be made aware that formula feeding carries risks with it. Among these are increased risk of lower repertory infection and greater chance of hospitalization due to diarrhea. The author is a respected Italian epidemiologist.

Colombo, C., Costantini, D., Zazzeron, L., Faelli, N., Russo, M. C., Ghisleni, D., et al. (2007). Benefits of breastfeeding in cystic fibrosis: A single-centre follow-up survey. Acta Pædiatrica , 96, 1228–1232.

Explanation: The authors argue that longer periods of breastfeeding can help children with cystic fibrosis and decrease the risk of declining pulmonary functions for them. They note that breast feeding has sometimes been discouraged for such patients, because of metabolic problems, but that these can be countered with supplements. Each of the authors is part of a Department of Pediatrics in Italy.

Godfrey, J. R., & Meyers, D. (2009). Toward Optimal Health: Maternal Benefits of Breastfeeding. Journal of Women’s Health , 18 (9), 1307-1310.

Explanation: This source argues that breastfeeding is not only better for the baby, but that it has benefits for the mother as well. It praises breastfeeding for its cost-effectiveness, ability to decrease child mortality and its accessibility. It also notes that it reduces the risk of breast cancer, ovarian cancer and type 2 diabetes. The authors are medical doctors writing for the Journal of Women’s Health.

Hoecker, J. (2010, April 8). Breast-feeding vs. formula: What’s right for your baby? Retrieved May 27, 2010, from Mayo Clinic: http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/breast-feeding/FL00133

Explanation: This source argues that although breast-feeding is best for an infant’s development, formula feeding can also work. It does, however, encourage mothers to feed their infants for one year if possible. The author is a medical doctor from the esteemed Mayo Clinic.

Koletzko, B., & von Kries. (2009). Lower protein in infant formula is associated with lower weight up to age 2 y: a randomized clinical trial. American Journal of Clinical Nursing, 89 (6), 1836-45.

Explanation: This source challenges the notion that high protein in infant formula increases long-term weight gain. It does, however, acknowledge that high protein formulas increase weight in infants up to age 2. Because the authors are from the European Childhood Obesity Trial Study Group, they may have a political axe to grind.

Owen, C., Whincup, P. H., Kaye, S. J., Martin, R. M., Smith, G. D., Cook, D. G., et al. (2008). Does initial breastfeeding lead to lower blood cholesterol in adult life? A quantitative review of the evidence1–3. Am J Clin Nutr , 88, 305–14.

Explanation: The authors of this source argue that initial breastfeeding may lead to lower blood cholesterol in the long-term. They note that coronary heart disease is the most common cause of death authors write for the respected American Society for Nutrition.

Walker, M. (2006). Breastfeeding Management for the Clinician : Using the Evidence. Sudbury: Jones & Bartlett Publishers, Inc.

Explanation: This author intended her book to be used as a practical guide for clinicians in helping women with breastfeeding issues. She argues that although breastfeeding is natural and far superior to formula feeding, there are many barriers to it. Walker is a “top-selling author on breastfeeding” and a registered nurse.