New US study shows breastfeeding can significantly reduce health costs and save lives
Researchers in the United States have published a study that underlines the importance of promoting exclusive breastfeeding. The researchers calculated the current costs of 10 pediatric diseases for which there is good evidence for the protective effect of breastfeeding. These diseases include: middle ear infections, eczema, pneumonia, asthma, childhood leukemia, Type 1 diabetes and Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS). The researchers estimated what the cost savings would be if 90% of new mothers in the US followed national recommendations of exclusive breastfeeding for six months. The US health care system could save $13 billion per year, as well as prevent 911 deaths each year mainly from respiratory infections, SIDS and necrotizing enterocolitis, a life threatening intestinal infection seen in premature infants. The authors conclude that “Action to improve breastfeeding rates, duration, and exclusivity, including creation of a national infrastructure to support breastfeeding, could be cost-effective.”
For more details about this study go to
http://www.cnn.com/2010/HEALTH/04/05/breastfeeding.costs/?hpt=T2 http://www.babyfriendly.org.uk/items/research_detail.asp?item=645
