Breastfeeding and Asthma
 |
Preparing for BreastfeedingBreastfeeding and Asthma |
Breastfeeding and Children’s AsthmaBreastfeeding’s positive impact on Asthma is an area of speculation and debate as there are many research studies with conflicting results. One research paper called the Western Australian Pregnancy Cohort Study involved studying just under 3000 children. The results of the Western Australian Pregnancy Cohort Study was that the introduction of infant formula before four months of age was a significant in an increased risk of lower tract illness and infection, ear infections, asthma and allergy. Plus if male, born less than 37weeks gestation, with a parent who smoked, had an increased risk of childhood asthma. Breast milk may help promote the baby’s immunisation system as it provides the baby with their mother’s antibodies. In addition to the anitbodies in breast milk, it contains lactoferrin, which has an anti-inflammatory benefit, and lysozme. Lysozme attacks the walls of certain bacteria. Asthma in children is on the increase. Potential factors believed to increase the likelihood of asthma, include: low birth weight or premature, young maternal age, maternal smoking, exposure to dust mites or pollen. More information on breastfeeding and asthma can be found at |
|