The positive role of breastfeeding on infant health during the first 6 weeks: findings from a prospective observational study based on maternal reports

This study aimed to report on adverse infant and maternal clinical outcomes, and investigate the relationship between infant feeding practice and such adverse clinical outcomes in infants during the first 6 weeks postpartum. From an eligible sample of 450 mother-term infant pairs recruited from the...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Irish medical journal 2012-03, Vol.105 (3), p.75-78
Main Authors: Tarrant, R C, Sheridan-Pereira, M, Younger, K M, Kearney, J M
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Adult
Breast Feeding
Female
Gastrointestinal Diseases - epidemiology
Health Status
Humans
Infant
Infant Formula
Infant, Newborn
Infection - epidemiology
Infection - virology
Ireland - epidemiology
Office Visits
Parity
Prospective Studies
Self Report
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Summary:This study aimed to report on adverse infant and maternal clinical outcomes, and investigate the relationship between infant feeding practice and such adverse clinical outcomes in infants during the first 6 weeks postpartum. From an eligible sample of 450 mother-term infant pairs recruited from the Coombe Women and Infants University Hospital in Dublin, 27.1% of infants (n=122) were maternally reported to have had an illness during the first 6 weeks that necessitated the provision of prescribed medication +/- general practitioner/paediatrician attendance +/- hospitalisation. Of these, 90 infants had > or =1 episode of infection +/- viral +/- gastro-intestinal-related condition. After adjustment, 'any' breastfeeding to 6 weeks was protective against such adverse infant outcomes (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] 0.44, P = 0.022). Attendance to the GP/paediatrician for > 1 visit (aOR 3.44, P = 0.000) and multiparity (aOR 1.76, P = 0.041) were also positively associated with such adverse infant outcomes. To decrease infant morbidity rates in Ireland, government investment in breastfeeding promotion, support and research should be a continued public health priority.
ISSN:0332-3102