Brightsurf Science News and Current Science News Events
 
Email a Friend Send to a friend
Printer Friendly Print Breastfeeding does not protect children against developing asthma or allergies

Breastfeeding does not protect children against developing asthma or allergies

September 12, 2007

Effect of prolonged and exclusive breastfeeding on risk of allergy and asthma: cluster randomized trial

Breastfeeding exclusively or for a prolonged period does not protect children against developing asthma and allergies, according to the results of a large randomised trial published on bmj.com today.




Whether breastfeeding protects against the development of allergies and asthma has been the subject of numerous studies and a topic of hot debate for the past 70 years. Yet research findings have been conflicting and all the evidence to date has been based on observational studies.

In this study researchers recruited 17,046 breastfeeding women attending 31 Belarussian maternity hospitals and one polyclinic affiliated with each maternity hospital during the late 1990s. They were split into two groups. In the experimental group breastfeeding was promoted and supported in the hospitals and polyclinics the women and children attended. In the control group the hospitals and clinics continued with their normal practices and policies. Within the experimental group there was a large increase in the number of women breastfeeding exclusively at three months. The women in this group also breastfed for longer.

13,889 children were followed up when they reached 6.5 years of age and tested to see if they showed any symptoms of asthma or allergies. This research was carried out between December 2002 and April 2005. A questionnaire was used to diagnose asthma, hay fever, and eczema. In addition skin prick tests were used to diagnose sensitivity to house dust mites, cats, birch pollen, mold, and mixed northern grasses.

The results indicate that increased breastfeeding did not reduce the risk of asthma, hayfever or eczema at 6.5 years of age despite large increases in the duration and exclusivity of breastfeeding. It also did not succeed in reducing the prevalence of positive skin prick tests.

The researchers conclude that public health measures to increase breastfeeding seem unlikely to have a major impact on reducing the level of hereditary conditions such as asthma or eczema within the population.

They say: "our results underline the importance of seeking other explanations for the recent epidemic of allergy and asthma."

BMJ-British Medical Journal



Related Breastfeeding News Articles Breastfeeding News and Current Breastfeeding Events RSS Breastfeeding News and Current Breastfeeding Events RSS
Hospitals provide formula sample packs while medical organizations encourage breastfeeding
A majority of U.S. hospitals on the East coast distribute formula sample packs to new mothers, contrary to recommendations from most major medical organizations concerned about the potential for distributing these packs to reduce breastfeeding rates.

Codeine not safe for all breastfeeding moms and their babies
Using pain treatments which contain codeine may be risky for some breastfeeding mothers, according to researchers at The University of Western Ontario, and the Hospital for Sick Children (SickKids) in Toronto.

New research suggests diabetes transmitted from parents to children
A new study in the September issue of the Journal of Lipid Research suggests an unusual form of inheritance may have a role in the rising rate of diabetes, especially in children and young adults, in the United States.

New breastfeeding study shows most moms quit early
While the CDC recently reported that more moms than ever give breastfeeding a try, a new national study shows most moms do not stick with it as long as they should.

Men and women may need different diets: research
Diet can strongly influence how long you live and your reproductive success, but now scientists have discovered that what works for males can be very different for females.

Child care factors associated with weight gain in infancy
Nine-month-old infants regularly cared for by someone other than a parent appear to have higher rates of unfavorable feeding practices and to weigh more than infants cared for only by parents, according to a report in the July issue of Archives of Pediatrics & Adolescent Medicine, one of the JAMA/Archives journals.

Heavy birthweight babies twice as likely to develop rheumatoid arthritis
Heavy birthweight female babies are twice as likely to develop rheumatoid arthritis in adulthood as their average birthweight peers, suggests research published ahead of print in the Annals of the Rheumatic Diseases.

Findings offer insights into role of breastfeeding in preventing infant death, HIV infection
In many poor countries, mothers with HIV face a stark choice: to nurse their infants, and risk passing on HIV through their breast milk-or to formula feed, and deprive their infants of much of the natural immunity needed to protect against fatal diseases of early infancy.

Extended infant antiretroviral prophylaxis reduces HIV risk during breastfeeding
In many resource-poor countries, infants born to mothers with HIV receive a single dose of nevirapine (NVP) and a one-week dose of zidovudine (ZDV) to prevent transmission of HIV from the mother to her newborn.

Breastfeeding may improve children's intelligence scores
Long-term, exclusive breastfeeding appears to improve children's cognitive development, according to a report in the May issue of Archives of General Psychiatry, one of the JAMA/Archives journals.
More Breastfeeding News Articles


The No-Cry Sleep Solution: Gentle Ways to Help Your Baby Sleep Through the Night
by Elizabeth Pantley, William Sears

A breakthrough approach that offers hope to exhausted parents looking for gentle ways to help their baby sleep without the heart-wrenching tears. Until now the only two ways to deal with sleepless nights were to let your baby cry herself to sleep or to become a sleep-deprived martyr and tough it out from dusk until dawn. The No-Cry Sleep Solution will show you how it is entirely possible and...



The Nursing Mother's Companion: Revised Edition
by Kathleen Huggins

Breastfeeding may be natural, but it is not always instinctive. The 20th Anniversary Edition of this classic guide to breastfeeding, beloved by a generation of women, has been completely revised and updated to provide even more practical, reassuring advice and support for today's expectant and nursing mothers. Easy-reference survival guides help identify and resolve problems at each stage. An...



The Womanly Art of Breastfeeding: Seventh Revised Edition (La Leche League International Book)
by La Leche League International

All parents want the best for their babies, and there’s no doubt about the fact that human milk is the ideal food for human babies. What’s the secret of successful breastfeeding? For almost fifty years mothers who have been in touch with La Leche League have found the kind of information and support they needed to breastfeed their babies. In this newly revised edition of The Womanly Art of...



The No-Cry Sleep Solution for Toddlers and Preschoolers: Gentle Ways to Stop Bedtime Battles and Improve Your Childs Sleep (Pantley)
by Elizabeth Pantley

Guaranteed to help parents reclaim sweet dreams for their entire family New from the bestselling author of the classic baby sleep guide! Getting babies to sleep through the night is one thing; getting willful toddlers and energetic preschoolers to sleep is another problem altogether. Written to help sleep-deprived parents of children ages one to five, The No-Cry Sleep Solution for Toddlers and...



Breastfeeding Made Simple: Seven Natural Laws for Nursing Mothers
by Nancy Mohrbacher, Kathleen Kendall-tackett

Breastfeeding is natural, but it's not always easy. It is the biological norm, but it is not the cultural norm. By learning the seven basic principles in this book, mothers can dramatically increase their likelihood of success and make breastfeeding the enjoyable experience it should be. The seven laws taught in this book are easy for mothers to understand and are sure to help them avoid some of...



Mothering Multiples: Breastfeeding and Caring for Twins or More! (La Leche League International Book)
by Karen Kerkhoff Gromada

A mother of multiple babies may find herself wondering if she can produce enough milk, how to coordinate feedings, and if breastfeeding is even an option for her. The simple answer: Yes! In the third revised edition of Mothering Multiples, author Karen Kerkhoff Gromada offers valuable information with an emphasis on breastfeeding and attachment-style parenting. All aspects of caring for multiple...



The Ultimate Breastfeeding Book of Answers: The Most Comprehensive Problem-Solving Guide to Breastfeeding from the Foremost Expert in North America, Revised & Updated Edition
by Jack Md Newman, Teresa Pitman

An Amazing Resource for Nursing MomsAlthough breastfeeding is the natural and healthy way to nourish your baby, it’s not always easy. Many new mothers are scared away from nursing because of difficulty getting started and lack of information about what to do when things don’t go as planned. In this fully revised and updated edition of The Ultimate Breastfeeding Book of Answers, two of...



The Breastfeeding Book: Everything You Need to Know About Nursing Your Child from Birth Through Weaning
by Martha Sears, William Sears

From North Americas foremost baby and childcare experts, the newest addition to the bestselling Sears Parenting Librarythe new breastfeeding bible for nursing mothers. In recent years there has been a resurgence of interest in breastfeeding. Yet first-time mothers often lack the support and the knowledge they need. Many of the available books fail to address the practical challenges that confront...



Eat Well, Lose Weight, While Breastfeeding: The Complete Nutrition Book for Nursing Mothers
by Eileen Behan

The new mom’s most trusted resource–now revised and updated to include the latest in nutrition and dietary concernsThis hands-on guide provides mothers with expert advice on losing weight and eating well, so you can feel good about your decision to nurse. Registered dietitian, professional nutritionist, and mother of two Eileen Behan shows you how to shed pounds safely and naturally...



So That's What They're For!: The Definitive Breastfeeding Guide 3rd edition
by Janet Tamaro

From bestselling author Janet Tamaro comes the third edition of So That's What They're For! For years, moms have relied on this staple book-now infused with new sections, including breastfeeding multiples and monitoring nutrition, and featuring completely revised and updated resource materials. Reflecting the latest in breastfeeding research, and packed with humorous anecdotes, this book proves...

© 2008 BrightSurf.com