LLLI Center for Breastfeeding Information

Journal Abstract of the Month for March 2002

"Ecological study of effect of breast feeding on infant mortality in Latin America" Ana P. Betran et al. British Medical Journal 02-08-11;323:1-5

Breast feeding rates were obtained from 16 of 36 Latin American countries. For infants in the first four months of life (aged 0-3 months) categories examined were defined as exclusive breast feeding, partial breast feeding and no breast feeding. For infants aged 4-11 months, the categories examined were partial breast feeding and no breast feeding. (Partial breast feeding means receiving any amount of breast feeding.)

Data was collected on the number of deaths from diarrhoeal disease and acute respiratory infections in age groups 0-3 months and 4-11 months. 55% of infant deaths from diarrhea and respiratory infections are preventable by exclusive breast feeding among infants 0-3 months and continued partial breast feeding beyond four months. Among infants 4-11 months 32% of such deaths are preventable by partial breast feeding.

The annual number of preventable deaths is about 52,000 for the region. Exclusive breast feeding of infants aged 0-3 months and partial breast feeding throughout the remainder of infancy could substantially reduce infant mortality in Latin America. Interventions to promote breast feeding should target younger infants.

This article has been entered into the database using the following keywords:

Advantages, Diarrhea, Exclusive Breastfeeding, Promotion, Developing Countries, Latin America, Epidemiology

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Breastfeeding, Breast feeding or Breast-feeding? In La Leche League International materials, "breastfeeding" is the preferred spelling. In some publications, "breast feeding" is the choice. In this case, we are using the format of the original source.