Newborn breast feeding reduces risk of asthma

Infants fed exclusively with breast milk during their hospitalization at birth are less likely to develop asthma in early childhood, according to research presented on Sept. 27 at the American Academy of Pediatrics 2024 National Conference & Exhibition in Orlando, Florida.

“Although the birth hospitalization lasts only a few days, it sets a critical foundation for establishing breastfeeding, which can influence health outcomes like childhood asthma,” said study author Laura Placke Ward MD, IBCLC, FAAP, co-director for the Center for Breastfeeding Medicine at Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center.

“Our study underscores the importance of hospital practices in supporting exclusive breastfeeding, as these early experiences may impact long-term health,” she added.

The 9,649 subjects included children born between 2017-2019.

The investigators reported that 81% of the children received some breast milk during their birth hospitalization, and 31% of them were fed exclusively with breast milk during their birth hospitalization.

Five percent were eventually diagnosed with asthma during childhood.

After adjusting for sex, race, and insurance status, newborns fed only with breast milk achieved a 22% lower rate of asthma during childhood compared to those who did not receive any breast milk or did not receive breast milk only.

“This finding highlights the need for greater emphasis on supporting and promoting exclusive breastfeeding during the early days of life,” Ward said. “By focusing on these crucial first days, we may impact children’s health and potentially reduce the risk of chronic conditions like asthma.”