Donna wrote:
"Leanne" wrote in message
...

The NHMRC is setting a target of 50% of mothers 'exclusively'

breastfeeding

until six months. At the moment it is under 20%. (Exclusive breastfeeding
means babies receive no other foods, juice, vitamins, infant formula or
other milks.)


I wonder what the rationale is for excluding vitamins from the recommended
intake during the first six months, given the risk of rickets and iron
deficiency? In the US the current recommendation is to supplement with
vitamin d when exclusively breastfeeding ( I don't know if there is a
recommendation to supplement the iron, but I don't believe there is). I
wonder why the difference between the two standards?

Donna



I think it would be unlikely for most Australian babies to not have
some sort of exposure to sunlight. In general we have a mild, warm
climate and are usually advised to cover up as much as possible to avoid
the often extreme sunlight. My baby was sunburned at five weeks old
within 1.5 hours through the material of my sling. SHe was completely
covered.

Larissa