THE BENEFITS OF BREASTFEEDING BEYOND A YEAR

Abstract

Aims: The aim of this study is to examine the benefits of breastfeeding beyond the first year for children in terms of obesity, allergies and autoimmune diseases as well as for mothers’ health. Methods: A systematic review of the literature was conducted using different databases, including PubMed, Ebase, CINAHL, and Google Scholar. Articles were selected based on the inclusion criteria: empirical studies, including randomised controlled trials, cross-sectional studies, cohort studies, or casecontrol studies; studies considering breastfeeding duration beyond the first year of the infants’ life, and studies published during the last 6 years, i.e. from 2014 to 2019. Outcomes included beneficial aspects for children, such as the prevention of obesity, allergic conditions, and autoimmune diseases, as well as the beneficial aspects for mothers. Results: Eight studies fulfilled the inclusion criteria, one was a case-control study, and seven were cohort studies. They were mostly free from any potential bias and were all high quality according to the Newcastle-Ottawa Scale (NOS). These studies showed that a longer duration of breastfeeding (≥12 months) could be of significant help in preventing obesity, allergic conditions, and autoimmune diseases. Furthermore, the health benefits were not only related to the children who were breastfed, but also related to their mothers who breastfed for a longer duration of time. These benefits are dose dependent and associated with the duration of breastfeeding. Conclusions: Breastfeeding for more than 1 year is of significant help in reducing the risk of several health-related problems, such as obesity, allergies, and autoimmune diseases.