Another Ailment Breastfed Babies Aren’t Protected Against

on August 30, 2011 at 5:15 PM

breastfeeding eczema When having a rational discussion about breastfeeding in our country, amongst working moms, or within our own neighborhoods, the phrase "breast is best" often comes up. Sometimes tinged in sanctimony, sometimes given as a reason to get behind things like paid maternity leave, a safe, sanitary, private place to pump, and the need for health insurance to cover such things as lactation consultants and breast pumps. But it's just one step to the right into strident-land when someone starts to list all the reasons why all women should "at least try" breastfeeding, regardless of their circumstances.

Usually that step goes like this, "Did you know if you don't breastfeed, your child has a higher chance of being obese/allergic to everything/ugly?" Well, ladies who lean towards the judge-y -- a new study has come out rejecting at least one ailment that can be cured by breast milk, and it's kind of a big one: eczema.

Since we've always assumed breastfed babies were in better health (of course, those of us who did both know it's all about the individual, not the stats), these findings in The British Journal of Dermatology are shocking, especially since allergies are an oft-cited ailment when people talk about breast being best. But the study of 50,000 women showed that there was no difference in those babies who were exclusively breastfed, even longer than six months. In fact, breastfed babies had slightly higher incidents of eczema, although this could be explained by moms continuing to breastfeed once their baby showed signs of the allergic reaction, in hopes that it would help.

Well, it won't. Of course this is no reason to stop breastfeeding, or to ignore the other benefits of breast milk. It is, however, a great study for people to read who honestly think if they breastfeed their child, it guarantees good health. There are a lot of other elements in play that contribute to or detract from the health of your baby, and you cannot ignore those just because you're nursing. Hopefully this study will educate new moms to be alert and aware, no matter how you're feeding that baby.

Did you think breastfeeding would help your baby with eczema?

Image via TheMinnieMoo/Flickr

About the author April Peveteaux

writes about anything that gets stuck in her craw. A mom of two in Los Angeles, she can't believe she practically lives in the country now after attempting to raise kids in Brooklyn.

Filed Under: breastfeeding, baby health, eczema

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Comments (80)

MemphisSuzi

on Aug 30, 2011 at 5:27 PM

I breastfed and one of my two boys has eczema. I never really gave it much thought if it was effected by my breastmilk or not.

But I am also not crazy enough to think that because I BF that my kids would be totally healthy. I just never thought it worked like that.

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MommyLove86

on Aug 30, 2011 at 5:28 PM

Nothing in life is guaranteed. That's silly to even think so. I have 2 booby babies and they're healthy and happy. Everyone has the right to make informed decisions. Your body, your baby. Do as you choose.

081109

on Aug 30, 2011 at 5:38 PM

My son has eczema and I only breastfed him for six weeks and it runs in our family so I'm fairly certain the breastfeeding did not cause it.

urtrnngvlt

on Aug 30, 2011 at 5:56 PM

Your article is lacking. Fine breastfeeding doesn't cure eczema, but neither does formula. You keep saying how people are always spouting out that "breast is best" and then go on to be like "well ho ho, it doesn't cure eczema!" This is just stupid. Breastfeeding is best and so what if it doesn't cure eczema, it isn't some miracle potion, it doesn't cure HIV either but I don't see you running around acting like its not the best because of that.

Anastazia975

on Aug 30, 2011 at 6:10 PM

I didn't get that she was implying it wasn't best. She just said there is something it can't cure, or make better. I think more breastfeeding women need to realise and understand, it isn't always what and how you feed your baby that dictates the life.

Nonmember comment from Jenn

on Aug 30, 2011 at 6:32 PM

Breastfeeding is best because it is the way babies are meant to be fed, it is the norm and other methods put baby at risk. I would like to know if this study ruled out other causes like food allergies (were the babies exclusively breastfed at the time of the survey? had the moms run elimination diets if they were?) and whether they'd had any vaccine reactions or worsening of eczema after a vaccine. I wouldn't be surprised if many of the breastfed babies who had it have an intolerance to dairy. And in that case, formula wouldn't do anything for them and would likely make it worse.

monkeysinmybed

on Aug 30, 2011 at 6:36 PM

I breastfed my son for 2 years and he was recently diagnosed with ADHD and Asperger's. On top of that, we're currently trying a dairy free diet because there is the possibility that he is sensitive to dairy as well. He nursed for 2 years, homemade baby food, coslept, the works. My daughter is still breastfeeding at 16 months. I wouldn't change a thing I did and I can't imagine thinking that breastfeeding is some kind of magic charm that protects my kids from all evils, colds, and mean people. But that doesn't change the fact that breastmilk is still way better than formula.

Facebook comment from Kristy Hinojosa

on Aug 30, 2011 at 6:40 PM

Whoever said breastmilk "cured" anything? It's what's healthiest for the baby considering they are a human and it's produced by a human. I mean this article really comes off as a dig at breastfeeding in general like "oh since breastfeeding can't "cure" eczema then take that, it's NOT the best." I have yet to read an article that says it's the be all, end all of health for people. It's just the best milk you can offer a baby while they rely most heavily on it in their early years. I don't understand why it has to be an argument period.

sweetmom1007

on Aug 30, 2011 at 6:42 PM

I didn't breastfeed and my sons have no food allergies and never had eczema. My nephew was breastfed and is allergic to peanuts and has had the croup bad.

LisaLulu

on Aug 30, 2011 at 6:53 PM

As the mother of 2 bf boys, one of which had a horrendous case of eczema, let me give you a tad bit more information: my 2nd son was exposed to a toxic mold that has been linked with serious health problems in newborns including a compromised immune system and lungs. My son's eczema and subsequent life-threatening allergies are linked to this exposure, not with breastfeeding. He is now 4.5 years old and, in the well-informed opinion of his immunologist, the fact that I exclusively and extensively breastfed him is the reason why he is outgrowing many of his allergies and developing as well as he is. I do not think for one minute that breastfeeding should be discontinued if a child has eczema because eczema is an indication that the child may be atopic and thus prone to allergies and other immune system issues. Rather, it tells me that parents absolutely should persist in breastfeeding to give their child's immune system a boost, although mothers may want to try eliminating common allergens from their own diet. It is just ludicrous to me that anyone would think that chemical-laden, highly processed food like formula could possibly be better for any child, particularly atopic children. And I think it is very irresponsible of you to go off half-cocked about something you know very little about.