Letter : Breast-feeding is safer than bottle

Sir: Whilst applauding the idea of your newspaper's forthcoming "Guide to a Healthy Pregnancy", I was somewhat taken aback by the photograph featured in your advert showing a baby being bottle-fed (31 August). I can only assume that your guide will include a detailed discussion of and warnings about the dangers of bottle-feeding.

It is scientifically established that breast-feeding reduces the incidence of infectious diseases, allergies and Sudden Infant Death Syndrome. Advice from government health departments (and indeed the Health Education Authority, which I note supports your guide), is that breast milk should be the sole source of nutrition for the first four months of life.

LOUISE I SILVERTON

Director of Education and Practice Development,

Royal College of Midwives,

London W1