Mothers who attend antenatal classes are far more likely to breastfeed their children, according to research released Wednesday.



Mothers who attend antenatal classes are far more likely to breastfeed their children, according to research released Wednesday.

A study by the University of Edinburgh found three-quarters of mothers who attended all or most of their antenatal classes breast fed their child. This compared with half of mothers who did not attend classes.

The study was carried out by the university's Centre for Research on Families and Relationships (CRFR). More than 8,000 mothers of young children in Scotland were interviewed for the research, which is based on the Growing Up In Scotland survey.

Previous research has shown that age and educational background are linked to breastfeeding figures. This study found 86 per cent of mothers with degrees breast fed, compared with 31 per cent of mothers with no qualifications. It also showed antenatal classes tripled the chances of breastfeeding, regardless of these factors.

Valeria Skafida, the researcher who led the study, said: "This research shows that having access to accurate information is crucial in a mother's decision to breastfeed and that antenatal classes make a big difference in giving children the best start in life.

"More research is needed to understand how take-up can be increased in groups that are under-represented."

Studies have shown that babies who are breast fed are less likely to be obese in later life and gain protection against conditions like asthma, eczema and chest infections.

Mothers benefit too, with studies showing a protective effect against ovarian and breast cancer.

A national breastfeeding helpline to support new mothers was officially launched by the Government earlier this month. The number is 0844 209 0920.

本周三公布的一项研究表明，参加产前培训课的妈妈进行母乳喂养的几率要高得多。

爱丁堡大学开展的一项研究发现，在参加了全部或大部分产前培训课的妈妈中，有四分之三的人以母乳喂养孩子。而这一比例在未参加产前培训的妈妈中为二分之一。

该项由爱丁堡大学家庭与关系研究中心(CRFR)开展的研究以“在苏格兰长大”调查为依据，共对苏格兰的八千多位新妈妈进行了访问。

此前已有研究表明，女性是否给孩子母乳喂养跟她们的年龄和教育背景有关。这项新研究发现，86%拥有学历的妈妈选择母乳喂养，而这一比例在没有学历的妈妈中为31%。此外，研究显示，排除这些因素的影响，产前培训课程使母乳喂养的几率提高了两倍。

研究负责人瓦勒莉娅•斯卡弗达说：“该研究表明，掌握正确的知识对于妈妈决定母乳喂养孩子至关重要，妈妈参加产前课程能给孩子带来一个最好的开端。”

“然而，对于如何提高没有足够代表性的人群的母乳喂养率问题，还需要开展进一步研究加以论证。”

此前的研究已表明，接受母乳喂养的孩子日后肥胖的可能性较小，而且患哮喘、湿疹和肺炎的几率也较小。

母乳喂养对妈妈也有好处，研究表明，以母乳喂养孩子的女性患卵巢癌和乳腺癌的几率较低。

英国政府已于本月初正式开通“母乳喂养”全国咨询服务热线，需要帮助的新妈妈可拨打0844 209 0920进行咨询。

Vocabulary:

antenatal classes:产前课

under-represented:代表性不足的

helpline:咨询服务电话

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