A new study has revealed that breastfeeding for at least two months may reduce the risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome.
SIDS is a horrifying disorder that causes great anxiety for parents. SIDS has been described as the death of a baby, where the cause of death is unknown. There is no way to determine the cause of death in SIDS cases.
This new study has found that breastfeeding for two months can lower the chances of SIDS by 50 percent.
This new information has made worried mums and dads feel a lot more reassured, but there is still a long way to go. Experts state that they still have a lot to uncover about SIDS.
The team of researchers behind the study analysed data from eight different studies. They studied over 2000 cases of SIDS. They also analysed over 6000 cases where the babies did not die.
They also examined cases where babies were breastfed and looked at how long they were breastfed for.
They compared the data from both sets and found that there was no link between SIDS protection and babies who were breastfed for less than two months.
They also shared that babies who were both breastfed and bottle fed for over two months were less likely to die from SIDS.
There are many health benefits that come with breastfeeding. Medical professionals encourage mums to breastfeed their baby for up to six months.
Breastfeeding can also reduce ear infections, allergies, diabetes, childhood obesity and respiratory infections.
Lead researcher of the study, John Thompson, explained their findings to Reuters, “The peak age of SIDS is two to four months, so breastfeeding may need to continue into this apparently more vulnerable period to incur the protective effect.”
In recent years, the number of cases of SIDS has dropped due to medical advances. Doctors have found many ways to prevent Sudden Infant Death Syndrome, which usually occurs within the first four months of a baby’s life.
SIDS may not be as common as it once was, but it is a horrifying condition. Experts believe the best way to prevent SIDS is to place your baby on their back when they are going to sleep.
In the past, studies have found that placing a baby on their stomach to sleep increases their risk for SIDS.
They also advise parents not to overheat their child when they’re sleeping, a light blanket is enough for your tiny tot.
They recommend keeping your baby’s bed empty, so don’t put spare blankets and cuddly toys in with them as they may smoother the baby.
Click here for more information on Sudden Infant Death Syndrome.
