Partial Breast-Feeding for Lowers SIDS Risk
A new study confirms that breast-feeding for two to four weeks of a newborn's lifestyle can significantly decrease the risk of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS).
However, the study also found mothers don't need to reap that benefit. Even is going to do, the study found.
"What is, perhaps, surprising is that there does not appear to be some benefit of exclusive breastfeeding over partial breast-feeding regarding SIDS, even though there are many other benefits connected with private breast-feeding," explained by John Thompson, from New Zealand's University of Auckland.
The investigation comprised research from eight important studies that were international. The researchers studied over 2,200 SIDS case patients and over 6,800 "control" babies. There was great variability in the prices of any childbirth as well as exclusive breast-feeding, the findings showed.
While the study concluded that breast-feeding for at least two months has been associated with the chance of SIDS, breast-feeding for four weeks provided greater protection, and continuing after that period provided small increases.
"The highest incidence of SIDS is from two to four weeks, so this may be the most crucial period regarding the protective impact of breast-feeding," Thompson said.
For mothers who fight breast-feeding, this research may provide a fantastic comfort, knowing that some breast milk is better than none, stated Dr. Jennifer Kurtz. She is chief of neonatology at Long Island Jewish Forest Hills in New York City.
"Lots of mothers struggle with breastfeeding, and after those initial two months they may not have the ability to completely breast-feed," Kurtz explained.
"Many do not have high milk supplies to start with, and as the baby matures they need more milk and the mothers aren't able to keep up with the need," she said.
"Or, moms may also cope if they need to go back to their job. For a whole lot of women that are working it's trying to create a schedule and to take a pump. With a few tasks, it's not simple to put aside time to pump, and it becomes a challenge," Kurtz added.
It is still unclear how breast-feeding might provide protective effects, but there are many theories, the study authors said.
Some research has suggested that breast-fed infants are more easily aroused when they're having difficulty breathing compared to infants, which might enable them to wake from sleep.
Differences have also been found at the response of a mother to her infant's behavioral cues, based on feeding style, which may influence the baby's sleep and arousal patterns.
Research has shown that benefits that help prevent viral infections are provided by breast-feeding. Illnesses are associated with an elevated risk of SIDS, the study authors said.
Whatever the reason, "this (research) provides very strong evidence of the advantages of breast-feeding in relation to the shielding effects with SIDS," Thompson noted.
"This will hopefully contribute more emphasis on public health efforts to improve the initiation and continuation of breastfeeding round the world," he added.
Both Kurtz and Thompson pointed out that while breast-feeding is more preferable for the four months to help reduce the chance of SIDS, it should not stop there, if at all possible.
They counseled following the American Academy of Pediatrics' recommendations that breast-feeding continue for at least 12 months, and then for as long as baby and mother desire.
"Breast-feeding is fantastic for a lot of reasons," Kurtz said. "You're passing on immunoglobulins for kids that help stop them from getting disorders, it is a wonderful bonding experience, and children that are breast-fed are less likely to become obese or have diabetes."
