New Research On Breastfeeding And Asthma

The Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology reports new research that breastfeeding protects children against wheezing for the first three years of life. However, there is less evidence of a protective effect of breastfeeding on asthma in later childhood, and some studies have even suggested that breastfeeding may actually increase the risk of asthma and wheezing in later childhood. At the same time, the team of researchers in this particular study found no association between breastfeeding and a reduced or increased risk of asthma, wheezing and allergic diseases at 7 and 8 years of age.

Dr. Stephanie London, one of the researchers of this study, states, "Even if breastfeeding does not protect against [allergies] or asthma in later childhood, the protection against wheezing illness in the first few years of life is a benefit for respiratory health." She adds, "Given some recent findings from smaller studies... suggesting deleterious effects, [the results of our study] should provide reassurance to expectant mothers, including those with [allergies], regarding current public health guidelines that encourage breastfeeding."