A Review of the Breastfeeding Research Published May–June 2016

Researchers found that three specific types of antibodies are present in breast milk and promote peace between the immune system and common gut-dwelling bacteria by putting the damper on inflammatory responses.   The top researcher said:  “This study provides real evidence that breast milk is important for a newborn’s health.  Breastfeeding helps to instruct the newborn’s immune system on how to appropriately respond to non-pathogenic bacteria, many of which may reside in the gut for a lifetime.”  (Cell, May 5, 2016)

Six months of exclusive breastfeeding will save lives.  For every 1000 births, 128 Nigerian children die before their fifth birthday.  Breastfeeding can reduce child mortality by 12%. (Civil Society Legislative Advocacy Centre training session, May 2016)

Kawasaki disease (KD) is the most common cause of childhood-acquired heart disease in developed countries. However, the etiology of KD is not known.  The researchers observed protective effects of breastfeeding on the development of KD during the period from 6 to 30 months of age in a nationwide, population-based, longitudinal survey in Japan, the country in which KD is most common. (Journal of Pediatrics, June 2016)

Babies who are exclusively breastfed for the first 6 months are 56% less likely to have conduct disorders by ages 7-11 compared to those infants exclusively breastfed for less than 1 month.  (PLOS Medicine, June 21, 2016)

Sepsis is the most common cause of neonatal mortality. It is responsible for about 30%-50% of the total neonatal deaths in developing countries.  It is estimated that up to 20% of neonates develop sepsis which is largely preventable by the early initiation of breastfeeding.  Infant deaths can be reduced by 22% by initiating breastfeeding within one hour after childbirth.  (International Journal of Contemporary Medical Research, June 2016)

Sheila Kippley

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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