Infants were 22% less likely to develop asthma in early childhood if there were only fed breast milk during birth hospitalization, per a study presented at the 2024 AAP National Conference & Exhibition.
Laura Placke Ward MD, IBCLC, FAAP | Image Credit: cincinnatichildrens.org
As the 2024 American Academy of Pediatrics National Conference & Exhibition continues from Orlando, Florida, new research presented at the meeting demonstrated a 22% reduction in early childhood asthma risk for infants who were exclusively fed breast milk during their hospitalization at birth.1,2
In an abstract titled "Association Between Hospital Feeding Patterns and Childhood Asthma," study author Laura Placke Ward, MD, IBCLC, FAAP, co-director, Center for Breastfeeding Medicine, Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center, found these observations even after adjusting for maternal race, infant sex, insurance, and length of hospital stay.1
“Although the birth hospitalization lasts only a few days, it sets a critical foundation for establishing breastfeeding, which can influence health outcomes like childhood asthma," said Ward in a statement. "Our study underscores the importance of hospital practices in supporting exclusive breastfeeding, as these early experiences may impact long-term health."1
Breastfeeding is widely regarded as the optimal source of nutrition for newborns, with breastfed infants demonstrating a reduced risk of developing various childhood illnesses, including asthma. Previous research has indicated that longer durations of exclusive breastfeeding offer greater protection against asthma. However, few studies have explored the impact of breastfeeding patterns during birth hospitalization on the subsequent development of childhood asthma. The objective of the study was to examine the relationship between feeding patterns during birth hospitalization and the diagnosis of childhood asthma, according to the abstract.2
A retrospective analysis was conducted using data from the Maternal Infant Data Hub (MIDH), a regional perinatal data repository. This dataset included maternal and infant dyads from a large academic hospital system, linked to childhood data from a regional children’s hospital. The study population consisted of children born between 2017 and 2019. Demographic information, such as sex, race, and insurance status, was collected. Feeding-related data, including type, frequency, and timing, were obtained from birth hospitalization records, while asthma diagnoses were retrieved from the children's hospital records.2
Descriptive statistics were used by the investigators to evaluate demographic characteristics. Multiple regression models were employed to assess the relationship between breastfeeding type and the development of asthma.2
"We used descriptive statistics to examine demographic characteristics and multiple regression models to examine feeding type and asthma. Odds ratios were calculated from the bivariate and multivariable analyses," the study authors wrote.2
A total of 9,649 children were included in the study. Of these, 81% received some breast milk, while 31% were exclusively breastfed during their birth hospitalization. Five percent of the children were diagnosed with asthma. After adjusting for sex, race, and insurance status, infants who were exclusively breastfed during hospitalization had a lower rate of asthma diagnosis compared to those who were not exclusively breastfed or did not receive any breast milk. Additionally, infants whose first feeding was breast milk had a lower rate of asthma compared to those whose initial feeding was not breast milk.2
"This finding highlights the need for greater emphasis on supporting and promoting exclusive breastfeeding during the early days of life," said Ward. "By focusing on these crucial first days, we may impact children's health and potentially reduce the risk of chronic conditions like asthma.”1
The development of asthma is influenced by a variety of factors. This study demonstrated that early feeding patterns, particularly exclusive breastfeeding and breastfeeding as the first feed during birth hospitalization, were associated with a reduced risk of childhood asthma. Although various external factors may contribute to asthma development, the findings highlight the importance of early breastfeeding practices in reducing asthma risk. Further research is necessary to investigate additional prenatal, postnatal, and environmental factors that may influence asthma outcomes.2
References:
1. Asthma rates lower in children who received only breast milk at birth hospital. The American Academy of Pediatrics. Press release. September 27, 2024. Accessed September 28, 2024. https://www.eurekalert.org/news-releases/1058537
2. Ward, L. Association Between Hospital Feeding Patterns and Childhood Asthma. Abstract. Presented at: 2024 American Academy of Pediatrics National Conference & Exhibition. September 27-October 1, 2024, in Orlando, Florida.
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