Breastfeeding protects infants from respiratory infections, ear infections, and diarrhea, but it doesn't reduce the risk that your child will develop asthma, say researchers from Queensland, Australia.
Previous research offered conflicting evidence: The results of some studies indicated that breastfeeding protected kids against asthma, whereas others reported that breastfeeding actually increased the likelihood that kids would develop this respiratory disease. To understand more about the relationship between breastfeeding and asthma, researchers surveyed 4,964 mothers during pregnancy, after birth, and at 6 months, 5 years, and 14 years after delivery. At 6 months, the moms reported whether they had ever breastfed and for how long. Then, 14 years later, they noted whether their children had ever had asthma. A smaller group of mothers also noted how often their children took asthma medication, the number of days missed from school due to asthma, family history of asthma, and how often the child was admitted to the hospital for asthma-related visits.
About 28% of the 14-year-olds had asthma, but no relationship was found between breastfeeding and asthma. The length of time the mother breastfed also had no effect on a child's risk of having asthma at age 14. The length of time a woman breastfed also had no effect on a child's use of asthma medications, days missed from school, or hospital admissions for asthma. Even teens whose mothers had asthma didn't experience a reduced risk of the disease if they were breastfed.
What This Means to You. The results of this large study indicate that the risk of asthma is unaffected by breastfeeding. Keep in mind, though, that breastfeeding is linked to a reduced risk of ear infections, diarrheal illness, and respiratory infections, and is considered the best, most easily digestible form of nutrition for your baby. If you have any questions about breastfeeding, your child's doctor or a lactation consultant can offer advice and guidance.
Source: Scott W. Burgess, FRACP; Carolyn J. Dakin, FRACP, MPH; Michael J. O'Callaghan, FRACP; Pediatrics, April 2006.
Reviewed by: Steven Dowshen, MD
Date reviewed: May 2006
