Breast Milk is Best

Several recent studies have been conducted on the benefits of breast feeding. This research has also highlighted several risks associated with not feeding infants breast milk during the first few months of life. Allergic asthma and other allergic conditions are on the rise among children, and missing important immune boosting elements of breast milk may be the cause.

One study observed the effects of lactating mice in transmitting immunity for airborne antigens to their offspring. Newborn mice were exposed to allergenic proteins and separated based upon whether they had received breast milk. The French study concluded that the breast milk was effective in preventing antigen-stimulated allergic asthma in the newborn mice.

Additional studies have also demonstrated the benefits of breast milk for Lung development in human infants. Children who received breast milk during their first four months of life had improved lung capacity and functioning. While the connection between the development of the human immune system and breast feeding is well-known, the life-long impact on the development of asthma and other allergic diseases should encourage mothers to breastfeed more often.