Association Between Infant Breastfeeding and Overweight in Young Children

Open Access
Publisher Website
Google Scholar
Abstract
With rare exceptions, breast milk is the preferred feeding for infants and confers unique immunologic, growth, and developmental benefits.1,2 Immunologic benefit and reduction in risk for or severity of many acute and chronic diseases, including diarrhea, lower respiratory tract infections, urinary tract infections, otitis media, and asthma, have been associated with exclusive breastfeeding for at least 4 months.1-3 Shorter and less intensive periods of breastfeeding may be less protective. Cognitive developmental scores for infants who were fully breastfed for 6 months or more are increased in comparison with those scores of infants who were never breastfed.4