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Breast-feeding and infant illness: A dose-response relationship?

Author

Listed:
  • Raisler, J.
  • Alexander, C.
  • O'Campo, P.

Abstract

Objectives. The purpose of this study was to determine whether breast- feeding has a dose-related protective effect against illness and whether it confers special health benefits to poor infants. Methods. The association between breast-feeding dose and illnesses in the first 6 months of life was analyzed with generalized estimating equations regression for 7092 infants from the National Maternal and Infant Health Survey. Breast-feeding dose (ratio of breast-feedings to other feedings) was categorized as full, most, equal, less, or no breast-feeding. Results. Compared with no breast-feeding, full breast-feeding infants had lower odds ratios of diarrhea, cough or wheeze, and vomiting and lower mean ratios of illness months and sick baby medical visits. Most breast-feeding infants had lower odds ratios of diarrhea and cough or wheeze, and equal breast-feeding infants had lower odds ratios of cough or wheeze. Full, most, and equal breast-feeding infants without siblings had lower odds ratios of ear infections and certain other illnesses, but those with siblings did not. Less breast-feeding infants had no reduced odds ratios of illness. Findings did not vary by income. Conclusions. Full breast-feeding was associated with the lowest illness rates. Minimal (less) breast-feeding was not protective. Breast-feeding conferred similar health benefits in all economic groups.

Suggested Citation

  • Raisler, J. & Alexander, C. & O'Campo, P., 1999. "Breast-feeding and infant illness: A dose-response relationship?," American Journal of Public Health, American Public Health Association, vol. 89(1), pages 25-30.
    • Handle: RePEc:aph:ajpbhl:1999:89:1:25-30_5
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    Cited by:

    1. David Waynforth, 2020. "Mother–Infant Co-Sleeping and Maternally Reported Infant Breathing Distress in the UK Millennium Cohort," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 17(9), pages 1-10, April.
    2. Tiffany Green, 2011. "Infant feeding and asthma: is breast milk best?," Review of Economics of the Household, Springer, vol. 9(4), pages 487-504, December.
    3. Bidisha Mandal & Brian Roe & Sara Fein, 2014. "Work and breastfeeding decisions are jointly determined for higher socioeconomic status US mothers," Review of Economics of the Household, Springer, vol. 12(2), pages 237-257, June.
    4. Masayuki Onda, 2016. "Breastfeeding and Early Childhood Outcomes: Is There a Causal Relationship?," Departmental Working Papers 2016-09, Department of Economics, Louisiana State University.

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