Relationship of Breastfeeding and Formula-Feeding Practices with Infant Health Outcomes in an Urban Poor Population

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Abstract
The article reports a study examining symptoms of infection and use of medications and the health care system by breastfeeding or formula-feeding urban poor mothers. A prospective, self-report design was used. Mothers completed a demographic and anthropometric questionnaire, an infection checklist, and a medication and health care system survey. Results showed that more of the breastfeeders were white, older, and economically better off than formula feeders. Scores on the infection checklist were higher for those feeding their infants by bottle. Colds, rashes, episodes of vomiting, ear infections, colic, and health care utilization were less frequent for breastfed infants. This small study suggests that there is a protective effect of breastfeeding in this population and provides a basis for larger epidemiologic and cross-sectional studies.

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