Scientists at the University of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston studied children who were unusually susceptible to ear infections, including children who had an ear infection before the age of six months, had several ear infections within a short period of time, or required drainage tubes. An article in the December issue of the journal Pediatrics reports that the scientists identified two particular genetic variations that make children more likely to suffer from ear infections. The genetic variations, called “single-nucleotide polymorphisms,” stimulate increased production of inflammatory signaling molecules and depress the immune system. The good news is that breastfeeding helps those susceptible children fight infection.

“This is a major finding, that breast-feeding neutralized the effect even in kids who had all the genetic polymorphisms,” Patel said. “Not only that, they were protected from recurrent infections even later in childhood, long after they stopped breast-feeding.”

This study provides all the more reason for mothers to breastfeed and to consider extended breastfeeding, particularly if there is a family history of ear infections or a problem with recurrent ear infections in the nursling. My children have had one or two ear infections each, and instead of wondering why breastfeeding didn’t protect them from those infections, I tell myself, “Thank goodness I’m breastfeeding. Imagine if they had even more ear infections!”

Via Grace, author of Flu Patrol

Post from: Breastfeeding 1-2-3

Robyn at Inside Motherhood wrote about how Kati Kim saved her infant and preschooler by breastfeeding them for several days when they were trapped in their car in the snow. For more on the story, see the ABC News article “Breast Milk Ensures Children’s Survival.”

Kristina at Autism Vox discussed whether breastfeeding can reduce the risk of autism. Women with a particular gene variant produce breast milk with 40 percent more docosahexaenoic acid, or DHA, an omega-3 fat. A deficit of DHA has been associated with autism, attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), learning disabilities and other developmental disorders.

Kate at Babylune reported on the discovery of how oligosaccharides in breast milk help protect infants from bacteria and viruses. Oligosaccharides, the third most prevalent component in breast milk after lipids and proteins, are complex sugars that bind to bacteria in the baby’s digestive system.

Post from: Breastfeeding 1-2-3