Walker A R
S Afr Med J. 1978 Nov 11;54(20):820-2.
During the last half century, in most Western populations, including Whites in South Africa, there has been a very marked fall in frequency and duration of breast feeding. The same trend is also being observed in South African Blacks, Indians and Coloureds. For White infants, bottle feeding is responsible for significantly enhanced morbidity. For the other populations mentioned, bottle feeding, compared with breast feeding, is associated with considerably enhanced morbidity and mortality. Reasons for the decline in breast feeding are discussed, as well as the attempts made at remedial measures. An urgent statement by paediatricians, which should provide guidance to be given at hospital, clinic and home on the benefits of breast feeding, the correct preparation of commendable bottle feeds, and also the appropriate time for introduction of solid foods, should be issued with the maximum of publicity.
在过去的半个世纪里，在大多数西方人群中，包括南非的白人，母乳喂养的频率和时长都显著下降。南非的黑人、印度人和混血人种中也出现了同样的趋势。对于白人婴儿来说，奶瓶喂养导致发病率显著上升。对于上述其他人群，与母乳喂养相比，奶瓶喂养与发病率和死亡率的大幅上升有关。文中讨论了母乳喂养下降的原因以及采取的补救措施。儿科医生应发表一份紧急声明，大力宣传，该声明应就母乳喂养的益处、优质奶瓶喂养的正确调配方法以及引入固体食物的合适时间，为医院、诊所和家庭提供指导。
