Breast still best

To claim the health benefits of breastfeeding are a "myth" (your report, 7 January) is not only shocking, but socially irresponsible.

The Breastfeeding Coalition produced clear evidence in 2007 of the health benefits associated with breastfeeding. Many mothers and fathers are unaware that formula-fed babies are more likely to suffer from obesity, diabetes and gastroenteritis and more likely to be hospitalised with a chest infection in the first seven years of life. These are just a few of the health risks associated with baby milk formula.

Scotland has one of the lowest levels of breastfeeding, at about 20 per cent. Professor Sven Carlsen's research clearly contravenes the extensive research carried out by organisations such as the World Health Organisation, Unicef and the UK government. More work must be done to encourage mothers to breastfeed and to tackle the social stigma often attached to it.

CATHERINE STIHLER MEP

Church Street

Inverkeithing, Fife