Health Update: Unwashed breast best for feeding

Monday 10 October 1994 23:02 BST

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UNWASHED breasts are best for breastfeeding, research from Estonia suggests. In a study of 30 newborn babies at Tartu University Children's Hospital, each mother had one breast washed after birth, while the other was left unwashed. The babies were placed in a 'start' position between the breasts and 22 spontaneously moved towards the unwashed one. The researchers conclude in the Lancet that soaping the breasts eliminates natural odours which help to establish breastfeeding.

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Health Update: Unwashed breast best for feeding

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