Formula Feeding Is Associated With Increased Hospital Admissions Due to Infections Among Infants Younger Than 6 Months in Manila, Philippines

Abstract

This case control study evaluates the association between hospitalization due to infection and feeding practices among infants aged >or= 3 days to < 6 months. Mothers of 191 cases hospitalized for infections and 208 healthy controls were interviewed using a standardized questionnaire documenting infant-feeding history. Results given in odds ratio and 95% confidence intervals (OR, 95% CI) were adjusted for age, education, and place of delivery. Exclusively formula-fed infants were more likely to be hospitalized for any infection (3.7, 1.8-7.5), pneumonia (3.0, 1.2-7.4), and diarrhea (10.5, 2.5-41.9) compared to exclusively breastfed infants. Infants who did not receive any breast milk were more likely to be hospitalized for any infection (3.5, 2.1-5.9), neonatal sepsis (4.9, 1.3-18.3), pneumonia (2.8, 1.5-5.4), and diarrhea (19.6, 6.5-58.6) than infants who received any breast milk. This study showed a strong positive association between the intake of formula and/or nonbreast milk supplements and the risk of hospitalization for infectious causes.

Breastfeeding and complementary feeding as a public health intervention for child survival in India

“…A report from Philippines, shows a strong positive association between the intake of formula and/or non-breastmilk supplements and the risk of hospitalization for infections like pneumonia and diarrhoea. 13 Research dealing with infant feeding in the last few decades, confirm the fact that the intake of infant formula jeopardize the health of an infant in many ways. However, there is absolute silence on such expressions in scientific journals, even if the research findings are pointing towards it.…”

Breastfeeding Education and Support Trial for Overweight and Obese Women: A Randomized Trial

“…This was not previously observed and suggests either fewer infections associated with the improved rate and intensity of breastfeeding at 2 weeks or unmeasured aspects of the intervention (ie, increased social support). Although breastfeeding is associated with fewer infant hospitalizations, 34,35 we know of only 1 other randomized trial revealing this association. 36 The intervention did not impact rates of otitis media, diarrhea, emergency department visits, and maternal amenorrhea; however, other breastfeeding interventions have revealed reduced infant morbidity 23,[37][38][39] and increased rates of amenorrhea.…”

Immediate newborn care practices delay thermoregulation and breastfeeding initiation

“…WHO has identified simple interventions that, if applied routinely, mitigate some of the threats newborns face. These early interventions are integral to hospital infection control practices because they reduce the risk of neonatal sepsis (6,7).…”