Breast Feeding and Asthma

Breast Feeding and Asthma

We’ve known for awhile that when mothers have asthma (or related conditions such as eczema and hay fever) breast feeding for at least 4 to 6 months will lower the risk of her child developing asthma.

A study of over 2500 children published in the July 2002 issue of the Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology found that breast feeding reduces the risk of asthma in children, and that this protective effect is not influenced by the mother’s asthma history.

Whether or not the mother has asthma, eczema, or hay fever, breast feeding is protective. It doesn’t eliminate the risk of these conditions, but it makes a clear, consistent, measurable difference.

Dr. Greene is a practicing physician, author, national and international TEDx speaker, and global health advocate. He is a graduate of Princeton University and University of California San Francisco.

Get Dr. Greene's Wellness Recommendations

Sign up now for a delightful weekly email with insights for the whole family.