Allergy

Breastfeeding & atopy, Rothenbacher 2005 Research from Germany suggests that longer duration of breastfeeding decreases the risk of allergies in early childhood, especially in children of mothers without a family history, and proposes a mechanism which may explain the protective effect. 

Exclusive breastfeeding leads to reduction in asthma and atopy An investigation among 2,195 children followed up to age 6 years concludes that less exclusive breastfeeding leads to increases in child asthma and atopy. 

Breastfeeding & allergy, van Odijk 2003 A recent review concludes that breastfeeding protects against allergic disease. 

Breastfeeding & allergy, Kull 2002 A recent study has shown that breastfeeding exclusively for 4 months protects infants against allergic diseases. 

Breastfeeding & allergic disease, Kull 2002 Children exclusively breastfed for months or more exhibited less asthma, less atopic dermatitis and less suspected allergic rhinitis by 2 years of age. There was a significant risk reduction for asthma related to partial breast feeding for six months. 

Breastfeeding & allergic disease, Saarinen 1995 A total of 150 children were studied up to the age of 17 years to determine the effect on atopic disease of breastfeeding. 

Breastfeeding & allergic disease, Lucas 1990 The use of human milk was associated with a significantly-reduced incidence of allergic disease, particularly eczema at 18 months in those with a family history of atopic disease.