Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jun 24, 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

Breastfeeding in children with down syndrome

Alejandra Ochoa Rodríguez1, Silvestre García de la Puente2,3, Karla Adney Flores Arizmendi1

  • 1Down Syndrome Clinic, Instituto Nacional de Pediatría, Ciudad de México, México.

BMC Pediatrics
|May 30, 2025
PubMed

Insights

Breastfeeding is recommended for infants, but babies with Down syndrome (DS) face challenges. Studies show only 32% of infants with DS achieve exclusive breastfeeding for six months due to sucking and swallowing difficulties.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatrics
  • Genetics
  • Human Lactation

Background:

  • Infants with Down syndrome (DS) often experience oral motor difficulties, impacting their ability to breastfeed.
  • Exclusive breastfeeding for the first six months is recommended for all infants due to its numerous health benefits.
  • Babies with DS have a higher incidence of not being breastfed compared to the general infant population.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To determine the frequency and characteristics of breastfeeding in infants with Down syndrome.
  • To identify factors influencing breastfeeding duration and exclusivity in infants with DS.
  • To provide data from the National Institute of Pediatrics in Mexico City.

Main Methods:

  • Observational study design.
  • Data collected from mothers of infants with Down syndrome.
  • Analysis of breastfeeding frequency, duration, exclusivity, and associated risk factors.

Main Results:

  • 98% of infants with DS received breast milk at least once; 64% received formula within the first three days.
  • The median duration of breastfeeding was three months.
  • Only 32.4% of infants with DS were exclusively breastfed for six months. Key risk factors included sucking/swallowing problems, improper latch, and not feeding on demand.

Conclusions:

  • Exclusive breastfeeding rates for infants with Down syndrome remain suboptimal.
  • Sucking and swallowing difficulties are significant barriers to successful breastfeeding in this population.
  • Targeted interventions and support are crucial to improve breastfeeding outcomes for infants with DS.
Abstract

Keywords:
BreastfeedingDown syndromeRisk factors

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