Related Experiment Video

Updated: Oct 22, 2026

A Common Marmoset Model of Mother-Infant Intervention for Breastfeeding Disorders in the Presence of Paternal Inhibition and Maternal Neglect
05:04

A Common Marmoset Model of Mother-Infant Intervention for Breastfeeding Disorders in the Presence of Paternal Inhibition and Maternal Neglect

Published on: September 22, 2023

Impact of breast feeding on admission for pneumonia during postneonatal period in Brazil: nested case-control study

J A César1, C G Victora, F C Barros

  • 1Departamento Materno Infantil, Fundação Universidade do Rio Grande, Rio Grande do Sol, Brazil.

BMJ (Clinical Research Ed.)
|May 14, 1999
PubMed

Insights

Breastfeeding significantly protects infants from pneumonia, especially during the first three months of life. Not breastfeeding increases pneumonia hospitalization risk by 17 times.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatrics
  • Infectious Diseases
  • Public Health Nutrition

Background:

  • Pneumonia is a leading cause of infant mortality globally.
  • Understanding protective factors is crucial for public health interventions.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the protective effect of breastfeeding against infant pneumonia.
  • To determine if this protective effect varies with infant age.

Main Methods:

  • A nested case-control study was conducted in Pelotas, southern Brazil.
  • Infants hospitalized for pneumonia (cases) were compared to a population-based control group.
  • Milk consumption (breast milk, formula, supplements) and feeding practices were assessed.

Main Results:

  • Infants not breastfed had a 17-fold increased risk of pneumonia hospitalization compared to exclusively breastfed infants.
  • The protective effect was strongest in infants under 3 months (RR=61), decreasing with age (RR=10).
  • Early introduction of solid supplements significantly increased pneumonia risk, particularly in infants under 3 months (RR=175).

Conclusions:

  • Breastfeeding provides substantial protection against infant pneumonia, particularly in early infancy.
  • Targeted interventions focusing on breastfeeding promotion in the first months of life are recommended.
  • Supplementation with solids should be carefully timed to minimize pneumonia risk.
Abstract

More Related Videos

Isolation of Leukocytes from Human Breast Milk for Use in an Antibody-dependent Cellular Phagocytosis Assay of HIV Targets08:12

Isolation of Leukocytes from Human Breast Milk for Use in an Antibody-dependent Cellular Phagocytosis Assay of HIV Targets

Published on: September 6, 2019

Breast Milk Enhances Growth of Enteroids: An Ex Vivo Model of Cell Proliferation09:02

Breast Milk Enhances Growth of Enteroids: An Ex Vivo Model of Cell Proliferation

Published on: February 15, 2018

Related Concept Videos

Pneumonia V: Nursing management and Prevention01:30

Pneumonia V: Nursing management and Prevention

Nursing management of pneumonia involves promoting airway patency, facilitating rest and conserving energy, encouraging fluid intake, maintaining nutrition, and educating patients.
The nurse must practice strict medical asepsis and adhere to infection control guidelines to minimize healthcare-associated infections.
Enhance airway patency
Position the patient correctly to facilitate drainage of the affected lung segments. Manual or mechanical percussion and vibration can also be employed.
Pneumonia I: Introduction01:30

Pneumonia I: Introduction

Pneumonia is an acute respiratory infection that targets the lungs, specifically the alveoli. These tiny air sacs, essential for oxygen exchange, become engorged with pus and fluid, severely hindering breathing, decreasing oxygen absorption, and causing significant pain and discomfort during respiration.
Risk Factors
Various factors influence the likelihood of developing pneumonia. Age plays a crucial role, with infants, children under two, and individuals over 65 at increased risk due to their...
Pneumonia I: Introduction01:29

Pneumonia I: Introduction

Pneumonia is an infection of the lower respiratory tract that leads to inflammation of the lung parenchyma, often resulting in the accumulation of inflammatory exudate in the alveoli and airways. Unlike the watery, low-protein fluid exudate in pulmonary edema, the exudate in this case is a thick fluid rich in immune cells, proteins, and debris produced during infection and inflammation.This impairs gas exchange and can lead to consolidation of lung tissue. The infection may be caused by a...
Development of the Oral Microbiota01:28

Development of the Oral Microbiota

The establishment of the oral microbiome begins before birth, challenging the long-held belief that the fetal oral cavity is sterile. The presence of oral microbes such as Streptococcus and Fusobacterium in amniotic fluid suggests that microbial exposure may occur in utero, potentially through translocation from the maternal oral or gastrointestinal tract. This early colonization primes the neonatal immune system and sets the stage for subsequent microbial succession. Maternal health,...
Pneumonia III: Complications and Assessment01:30

Pneumonia III: Complications and Assessment

Pneumonia poses the potential for numerous complications that warrant consideration. These complications include the following:
Pneumonia II: Pathophysiology01:29

Pneumonia II: Pathophysiology

The pathophysiology of pneumonia involves the following steps: