A study from researchers at Children's National Medical Center reveals that infants exclusively breastfed for the first three months had a lower likelihood of developing eczema by age 6, compared to those not breastfed or breastfed for shorter durations. These findings warrant caution, however. Katherine M. Balas, lead author and clinical research assistant at Children's National, explains that her team is collecting additional data to solidify this association. Supporting evidence comes from other research, including a 2018 Canadian study.
Researchers tracked 2,000 women from the third trimester of pregnancy through their infant's third month postpartum, while also monitoring feeding practices during the child's first year. A follow-up survey reached 1,520 children at age six. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) further notes that breastfeeding reduces risks for chronic conditions like asthma and obesity.
Ultimately, the decision to breastfeed remains a personal one for every mother.
