"I don't think anything wrong with EBF at all, just think that you shouldn't think that those who don't are somehow going to be immuni-logically (what on earth is the word?!) challenged... the differences in this country will be very minimal".
I'm not sure about the value of the immunological benefits of bf for older babies, but it's definitely the case that in developing countries children might not have such good access to other high protein foods so breastmilk is going to form an important part of their diet up to and beyond the age of two.
Children in the UK have loads of other sources of protein.
On the other hand we do have an epidemic of obesity in the UK - there's mounting evidence that long term breastfeeding helps protect children from this. There's also some interesting evidence that breastfed children may have better mental health in later childhood - another thing that could be relevant as there are very high levels of depression and childhood mental health problems in the UK. here
In other words, there may be less obvious benefits attached to extended bf in Western countries that are different to the benefits experienced by babies in developing countries.
Re: Dr Hilary. I honestly think someone should approach the GMC and make a complaint about him. Doctors are supposed to give evidence based advice and information. He talks utter bollocks on breastfeeding and someone needs to stop him.
i think EBF should benefit both mther and child and if mother really feels she doesn't want to but feels she ahs to for her child then perhaps she's been slightly misled as vi
]to how beneficial it actually is?