A study at Cincinnati Children’s Hospital found that infants who were only fed breast milk in the hospital after birth were 22% less likely to develop asthma in early childhood.
The research found lower asthma rates even after considering factors like race, insurance, and infant sex. The findings will be shared at the American Academy of Pediatrics 2024 conference.
According to researchers of this study even though the hospital stay after birth is short, it plays a key role in starting breastfeeding, which can affect health outcomes like childhood asthma.
The study underscores the importance of hospitals supporting exclusive breastfeeding. Early breastfeeding, even during the short hospital stay after birth, may have lasting health benefits.
The impact of breastfeeding during the hospital stay on asthma risk is still not fully understood, but the study’s findings suggest a significant potential for health improvement.
In a study of 9,649 children, 81% received some breast milk, and 31% were exclusively breastfed in the hospital. Only 5% were diagnosed with asthma.
The study’s findings underscore the potential of exclusive breastfeeding to reduce childhood asthma. Infants who were exclusively breastfed or had breast milk as their first feeding had lower asthma rates than those who weren’t.
This research from a large Cincinnati medical system will be presented during the American Academy of Pediatrics 2024 National Conference & Exhibition.
