Atopic Diseases and the Breastfeeding Connection

Can Breastfeeding Reduce the Risk of Asthma, Atopic Dermatitis and Food Allergies?

By Lisa A. Goldstein

"For moms whose babies are at high risk, after consultation with their babies' health care providers, the best recommendation to help reduce the risk of developing allergies for their babies is for them to breastfeed as long as they are able," Dr. Cole says. Hopefully this means a minimum of four months and up to a year.

One mom who took family history into account when making the decision to breastfeed is Shari Rager of Gaithersburg, Md. Both she and her husband have significant seasonal and indoor allergies. This puts her children at high-risk for atopic disease. "It was one of the many reasons that I felt that breastfeeding would be the best choice for my children," Rager says.

Rager breastfed her son, who is now 4 1/2 years old, for eight months. He weaned himself earlier than she would have liked. She is now breastfeeding her daughter, who is 8 months old. "Anything I can do to try to keep my kids from suffering, I'll try to do," she says.

"The new AAP statements are basically like truth in advertising, saying there are some things for which studies show a difference, and others where it is not so clear – either because the studies fail to show a difference or the studies are too limited to draw conclusions," Dr. Sicherer says.

As a result, Dr. Sicherer says a mother should talk to her doctor about what makes sense for her to do. It's important to note that the new AAP statement applies to infants who are well – it's all about prevention, not treatment. "If a baby has allergic problems like rashes, etc., then altering the diet may be needed for treatment," Dr. Sicherer says. "Again, ask your doctor."