Breastfeeding, Infant Formula Supplementa

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	What you guys think about this research that found that the children who are not breasfed are more likely have autism? My son could not latch well so my wife was pumping milk the first 4 months. So we gave 50% formula 50% breast milk the first 4 months. After 4 months we switched to formula only. Now I blame myself for not getting my wife one of those really good pumps. I guess I wanted her to breastfeed him as it is more intimate and a baby needs mothers touch. ------------------------ Int Breastfeed J. 2006 Sep 15;1(1):16 [Epub ahead of print] Breastfeeding, Infant Formula Supplementation, and Autistic Disorder: the Results of a Parent Survey. * Schultz ST, * Klonoff-Cohen HS, * Wingard DL, * Akshoomoff NA, * Macera CA, * Ji M, * Bacher C. ABSTRACT: BACKGROUND: Although autistic disorder is associated with several congenital conditions, the cause for most cases is unknown. The present study was undertaken to determine whether breastfeeding or the use of infant formula supplemented with docosahexaenoic acid and arachidonic acid is associated with autistic disorder. The hypothesis is that breastfeeding and use of infant formula supplemented with docosahexaenoic acid/arachidonic acid are protective for autistic disorder. METHODS: This is a case-control study using data from the Autism Internet Research Survey, an online parental survey conducted from February to April 2005 with results for 861 children with autistic disorder and 123 control children. The analyses were performed using logistic regression. RESULTS: Absence of breastfeeding when compared to breastfeeding for more than six months was significantly associated with an increase in the odds of having autistic disorder when all cases were considered (OR 2.48, 95% CI 1.42, 4.35) and after limiting cases to children with regression in development (OR 1.95, 95% CI 1.01, 3.78). Use of infant formula without docosahexaenoic acid and arachidonic acid supplementation versus exclusive breastfeeding was associated with a significant increase in the odds of autistic disorder when all cases were considered (OR 4.41, 95% CI 1.24, 15.7) and after limiting cases to children with regression in development (OR 12.96, 95% CI 1.27, 132). CONCLUSIONS: The results of this preliminary study indicate that children who were not breastfed or were fed infant formula without docosahexaenoic acid/arachidonic acid supplementation were significantly more likely to have autistic disorder. Just another reason to make us beat ourselves up, I think. Like we don't have enough to feel guilty about, right? An online survey of 861 children? What site? Who were the parents? Where did they live? What did they eat when they were pregnant? Is there a connection between choosing to breastfeed and choosing not to vaccinate? Too many unanswered questions and all we're left with is more guilt. We make the best choices we can for our kids using the tools that we have, and that's the best we can do. [QUOTE=JillNJake]We make the best choices we can for our kids using the tools that we have, and that's the best we can do. [/QUOTE] Personally I will keep telling myself exactly this since I too was unable to breastfeed (even though I tried desperately).   If I let myself think that the above study is a definite answer then I will just drive myself crazy with guilt and sadness.  I ask myself enough 'why' questions without adding another! It made no difference with my older son, or my nephew or anyone  else in my family who was not breast fed. Before any of us beat ourselves with guilt over this one study, I just need to say that bottle/formula feeding was prevalent in the 1970's and 80's.  It wasn't until the 1990's that breastfeeding had a resurgence of interest among new mothers.  Also, formulas were drastically improved during the last 10 years so how does this explain the sudden increase in numbers of children diagnosed with ASD's during the past 10 years?  The control group in this study is way too small and the test group is also not large enough to come to accurate conclusions, IMO.  Lastly, no study results are considered conclusive unless it con be duplicated with the same results in a separate study.  Excellent point, Debra! Also, I live in Berkeley, which is literally the breastfeeding capital of the world. Considering that the vast majority of moms here breastfeed, according to the study you would think that we should have a very low rate of autism, which is definitely not the case. [QUOTE=JillNJake]Excellent point, Debra! Also, I live in Berkeley, which is literally the breastfeeding capital of the world. Considering that the vast majority of moms here breastfeed, according to the study you would think that we should have a very low rate of autism, which is definitely not the case. [/QUOTE] I don't think Berkeley can be "the breastfeeding capital of the world" from whatever angle you look at it as there are countries where people don't even know what a formula is. I think formula is an American invention. Meh, what's a little hyperbole among friends? Sharlet was BF for the first 5 months untill SHE refused.  At the same time she began to refuse affection and started to ignore us.  I don't think BF has anything to do with it. I don't know...there was a recent study that said that breastfeeding could cause Autism.  I breastfed my son for over a year.  He did get formula, too, when he was in day care and then for his night feedings when I was at work (when I had to get a different job).  I think a lot of these studies are just grasping at straws.  They need to look more into genetics than outside influences.  Especially when it seems like all these studies do is make parents doubt themselves and feel like they have failed their child in some way. Forget that stupid myth, I breastfed Anthony until he was 13 months! Edited to add:  please don't beat yourselves up over that.   As someone else said, we recently had a thread as there was some research saying breastfeeding caused Autism. mamajot38987.4180787037 OK, I'll let you all in on a little secret - Alex is still nursing a little bit each evening.  He nursed 3 x a day until the start of this school year.  And guess what?  He is very much autistic!     My son is 3 and still nursing. He is moderately asd. I really wish I could have BF Sharlet longer, I miss the closeness
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