New child growth charts are being introduced to combat obesity and boost breastfeeding rates. The United Kingdom still uses charts from 1990 which are based on growth rates for formula-fed babies which grow quicker. The charts, which are being introduced in England with the other nations expected to follow soon, will mean more children are classed as overweight. But the government hopes it will help to reassure mothers who breastfeed that their babies are not under weight.
Dr Sheila Shribman, the government's maternity tsar, said: "Breastfeeding is the best form of nutrition for infants. "The new charts will not only provide more accurate measurements for infant growth of breastfed babies, but will also help healthcare professionals and parents to identify early signs of overweight or obesity and provide support." And Professor Charlotte Wright, of the Royal College of Paediatrics and Child Health, which helped design the charts, added: "In retrospect, I think health staff realize we have probably been worrying some mothers unnecessarily about their baby's weight."
The charts are based on ones developed by the World Health Organization after a 15-year study of 8,500 children from across six countries established firm and in-depth data about the growth of healthy children for the first time.
Courtesy of the BBC
Bonnie - these guidelines are long overdue. Let's see if the U.S., one of the most overweight nations in the world, will adhere to the WHO directive. There charts are still based upon the year 2000 standards.
No comments:
Post a Comment