1. Breastfeeding is linked to a lower risk of these health problems
In all infants
In premature infants
In mothers
Otitis media (OR 0.6)
Necrotizing Enterocolitis
(OR 0.42)
Type 2 Diabetes (OR 0.61)
Gastroenteritis & diarrhea (OR 0.4)
Feeding intolerance
Breast cancer (OR )
Upper respiratory infections
(OR 0.7)
Nosocomial bacteremia
Ovarian cancer (OR )
Asthma (OR )
Longer hospital stay
Postpartum depression
Atopic dermatitis (OR 0.8)
Developmental delays
Metabolic syndrome
Types 1 & 2 Diabetes
Lower IQ on cognitive tests
Bleeding postpartum
Obesity (OR )
Weight retention after birth
Childhood leukemia (OR 0.8)
SIDS (OR 0.64)
OR = odds ratio. Source “Breastfeeding & Maternal & Infant Health Outcomes in Developed Countries.”
Evidence Report/Technology Assessment # 153, prepared by the Agency for Healthcare Research & Quality (AHRQ), U.S. Dept. of Health & Human Services,