Did You Know?

Breastfeeding Cuts Infant Deaths

September 2004

It has been known for a long time that mother’s milk contains protective substances that help newborns to stay healthy. Now more supportive evidence for the benefits of breastfeeding has emerged—a 20% reduction in risk of infant deaths. Researchers conducted a survey of nearly 9,000 mothers in 48 states to correlate breast feeding with mortality. They found that infants who were breastfed were less likely to die in their first year of life compared to those who were not. It was noted that approximately 70% of U.S. mothers breastfeed their babies when they leave the hospital, but only one-third continued the practice six months later. Other studies have shown that breastfed infants are less likely to be overweight or have behavioral problems.

Pediatrics 113:e435-e439, 2004

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