The association between breastfeeding and rates of infant morbidity in a pediatric population.

摘要

The purpose of this research was to determine if breastfeeding, and partially breastfeeding reduced the incidence of otitis media, gastroenteritis, and upper and lower respiratory infection in infants (through ages 2–8 months) when compared to formula-feeding. Medical records (n = 157) were reviewed at two pediatric clinics in western New York. Breastfeeding and partially breastfeeding significantly lowered incidences of otitis media (p = .001); gastroenteritis (p = .003), and upper respiratory infection (p = .001) compared to formula feeding. Breastfeeding resulted in lower incidences for lower respiratory infection than partially and formula-feeding. Results concluded that there's an lower incidence of no illness with breastfeeding and partially breastfeeding. Breastfeeding for at least one month results in significantly lower incidences of infant morbidity.