Expert Alert: Breastfeeding – Is It Simply a Matter of Choice?

When it comes to the health of a child, every decision a parent makes – before and after birth – can have long-term implications. Studies have shown that breastfeeding can boost a child’s immune system, reduce the risk of infection, and, as CIHR’s IHDCYH Scientific Director, Dr. Michael Kramer, and his team discovered, exclusive and prolonged breastfeeding can even make children smarter! While many studies have substantiated the benefits of breastfeeding, this topic remains highly debated within the health-care community.

August 1-7 is World Breastfeeding Week and several CIHR-funded researchers are studying the different aspects of breastfeeding to determine how to promote the health of both mother and child.

Experts:

Lactation and medication: A potentially toxic combination
Dr. Shinya Ito, CIHR-funded researcher from the Hospital for Sick Children (Toronto)

Vitamin D in pregnancy and breastfeeding - how much is enough for a healthy mother and child?
Dr. Tim Green, CIHR-funded researcher from the University of British Columbia (Vancouver)

Different mothers, different practices - Is there a “right” way to breastfeed?
Dr. Aimee Webb, CIHR-funded researcher from the University of Toronto (Toronto)

Can breastfeeding now improve your child's health later?
Dr. Michael Kramer, Scientific Director of CIHR’s Institute of Human Development, Child and Youth Health (Montreal)

The Canadian Institutes of Health Research (CIHR) is the Government of Canada's agency for health research. CIHR's mission is to create new scientific knowledge and to catalyze its translation into improved health, more effective health services and products, and a strengthened Canadian health-care system. Composed of 13 Institutes, CIHR provides leadership and support to more than 13,000 health researchers and trainees across Canada. www.cihr-irsc.gc.ca

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Place Aux Experts: L’allaitement, Simplement Une Question De Choix?

Lorsqu’il s’agit de la santé de son enfant, chaque décision prise avant ou après sa naissance peut avoir des conséquences à long terme. Par exemple, des études montrent que l’allaitement peut stimuler l’immunité et réduire les risques d’infection chez l’enfant. Le directeur scientifique de l’IDSEA des IRSC, le Dr Michael Kramer, et son équipe ont découvert que l’allaitement maternel exclusif et prolongé peut même rendre les enfants plus intelligents! Reste que malgré les nombreuses études sur les avantages de l’allaitement, celui-ci continue d’alimenter les discussions dans le milieu de la santé.