Breastfeeding Can Help Prevent Risk of Infection, Allergies

Several studies have shown that breastfeeding may be the best option for new life.

Previous findings have shown that breastfeeding can help to provide an added health benefit for many babies. On a similar note, it can be particularly beneficial for helping to burn extra calories and lose pregnancy weight faster, while simultaneously providing infants with an essential mix of vitamins and minerals.

New findings published in the journal Pediatrics have also found that breast milk can help to reduce a child's risk of infections and allergies. Two recent studies take an in-depth look.

For the first study, researchers examined information gathered during medical office visits; this included close to 1,300 children all the age of six. Researchers also found that children who were breastfed for nine or more months had a lower risk of contracting ear, throat or sinus infections by 31 percent, 32 percent and 53 percent respectively in comparison to those who were not breastfed or weren't breastfed for a longer period of time.

The second study, which was headed by researchers from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration's Center for Food Safety and Applied Nutrition, also examined six-year-old children. However, this study focused on the incidence rate of certain allergies. 
Researchers found that children who were only breastfed for four months or less were more likely to have a food allergy when compared to children who were breastfed for a shorter period of time.

Though breastfeeding should be the choice for most new mothers, certain medical conditions might not always make it possible. Hormone disorders, HIV, certain medications and other health issues can create a problem. Similarly, some women are unable to adequately produce enough breast milk to feed their child or their newborn may be unable to stomach their mother's milk, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

It's best to check with your doctor to find out what's right for you and your baby.