Breastfeeding Helps Baby’s Lungs -- Even If You Have Asthma

Photo: Veer

We’re often reporting on the health benefits of breastfeeding but here’s one we haven’t heard yet: Breastfeeding baby can help his lung functioning -- and the benefit continues long after you stop nursing.

A new study published in the American Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine followed over 1,400 children from birth until age 12 and periodically gave their parents questionnaires on breastfeeding and mom’s health, and gave the children lung function tests. The researchers found that children who were breastfed had better lung functioning than those who weren’t; it was better if they were breastfeed for four to six months and even better if they were breastfeed for more than six months.

Researchers paid special attention to moms who had asthma or allergies, since other studies have suggested breastfeeding meant their babies had higher risk of lung problems. But the researchers found the exact opposite to be true. The mothers who had asthma were more likely to have kids with better function if they breastfed than if they didn't. So the researchers recommend breastfeeding, whether mom has asthma or not.

Plus, more from The Bump:

10 Reasons to Breastfeed

Worst Breastfeeding Advice Ever

Connect With Other Breastfeeding Moms

-- Elena Donovan Mauer

See More: Baby Basics , Breastfeeding , Newborn Basics , Baby Doctor Visits