More mums breastfeeding

Star: KUALA LUMPUR: The number of breastfeeding mothers has increased by more than 60 per cent in the last 10 years.
The number is expected to double as the National Health and Morbidity 1996 Survey’s finding has shown that 29 per cent of mothers were breastfeeding their babies.
Malaysian Council for Child Welfare president, Tan Sri Zaleha Ismail, said although the exact figure could only be confirmed after the release of the 2006 survey, the upward trend was expected to continue.
Speaking to reporters after launching the Federal Territory’s Breastfeeding Week, she said breastfed babies were more intelligent and had higher IQ compared with those fed with infant formula.
"Babies fed with infant formula are also more prone to bacterial infection and the risk of death is higher if the water source is not clean."
She said babies must be fully breastfed for at least six months to develop immunity against communicable diseases.
Zaleha also said the United Nations estimated that 1.5 million babies died worldwide annually due to lack of breast milk.
At the event, 308 mothers got together and held a breastfeeding-thon. The feat entered the Malaysia Book of Records. The event was organised by the Federal Territory Health Department.