Breastfeeding Increases Allergies and Asthma?

by Valorie Delp | More from this Blogger

A new longitudinal study suggests that moms who have allergies, who exclusively breastfeed may increase the risk of allergies, asthma and eczema in their infants. The study supposedly shows that while breastfeeding protects infants, it actually increases the incidence of asthma and/or allergies later in life. In addition, the study found it offered no protection from skin reactions among children without a family history of allergies.

The research was done in Australia and is published in the US-based Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology. The researchers who did this study are saying that it should spark reconsideration of recommendations to breastfeeding moms. In fairness, I must also point out that the researchers are not advising against breastfeeding, but simply want moms who are doing it to decrease allergies to know that they might want to try more effective strategies.

Breastfeeding Benefits vs. Formula

I'm glad that they're not encouraging people to stop breastfeeding. Breastfeeding does not provide just one benefit but numerous benefits including social and psychological benefits that frankly--formula cannot mimic. I did find it interesting that in the news reports that I've read (I haven't read the actual study), no one mentions that formula feeding significantly increases your child's risk for allergies, asthma and eczema. So it seems to me that in general, one's risk for allergies increases over time--period.

Let's Put On Our Critical Thinking Caps Ladies

So should you stop breastfeeding? Well no. Not only does the study say not to stop but formula feeding is associated with increased allergies as well. But frankly, I doubt that breastfeeding is the variable causing increased allergies. The study is longitudinal which means that it studies the same patients over a period of several years. In this case about 50 years to be exact. Longitudinal studies have many benefits but one of the down sides, in this instance, is that recommendations and practices have changed. In the 60's, it was the practice to give babies a bottle of water or formula after birth. More recent studies have shown that even that one bottle, has a negative effect on allergies and other health issues in infants.

Secondly, if you have a child who has allergies have you been able to get any two allergists to agree on what cause the allergy? Most moms I talk to say no. It's still a guess in the dark as there's so little we understand about allergies at this point.

So don't give up breastfeeding ladies and rest assured that you are giving your child the best immunity against disease by breastfeeding.

Related Articles:

Why Breast is Best

Does Your Baby Have a Food Allergy?

The Connection Between Antibiotics and Asthma

Learn more about Valorie Delp

Hello everybody! My name is Valorie and I am one busy lady! When I'm not writing or editing for families, I am busy trying to get my brood of 5 in line.

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