LLLI Center for Breastfeeding Information

Journal Abstract of the Month for May 2004

"Protective effect of breastfeeding against urinary tract infection"

Authors: S. Marild, S Hansson, U Jodal, A Oden, K Svedberg

Acta Paediatr 04-01; 93(1):164-8

This study demonstrates that breastfeeding has a protective effect against urinary tract infections (UTI). Ongoing exclusive breastfeeding significantly lowered the risk of urinary tract infections. The most interesting information given in this study is the research showing that longer durations of breastfeeding even lowered the risk of contracting urinary tract infections after weaning. This indicates that there is a long term mechanism associated with extended breastfeeding. This study gives more evidence to the fact that mothers should be encouraged to practice extended breastfeeding to gain yet one more health benefit of breastfeeding. This research will be helpful to health professionals who wish to encourage their patients to practice extended breastfeeding.

This paper is being categorized with the following KEYWORDS:

UTI
Infant physiology
IGA
BF Duration
Gender
Recall

The abstract of this article is available on the PubMed site