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

• 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
• ISSN: 0332-3102

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.