Related Experiment Video
Updated: Sep 25, 2026

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
Maternal Asthma Is Associated With Poor Breastfeeding Outcomes in the Early Postpartum Period
Megan E Jensen1, Bronwyn K Brew1, Jason Dizon2
1School of Medicine and Public Health, University of Newcastle, Newcastle, NSW, Australia; Asthma and Breathing Research Program, Hunter Medical Research Institute, Newcastle, NSW, Australia.
Background:
In infants born to mothers with asthma, breastfeeding may lower the risk of adverse respiratory outcomes; however, breastfeeding rates are low among this group.
Objective:
To evaluate early breastfeeding outcomes in relation to maternal asthma and determine whether observed associations were mediated by perinatal factors or varied by maternal comorbidities.
Methods:
Data on singleton births were obtained from electronic obstetric records from 3 local health districts in New South Wales, Australia (2018-2020). Associations between asthma and breastfeeding outcomes were assessed using robust Poisson models fitted within a generalized estimating equation framework. Perinatal factors were sequentially included in models to explore potential mediation of asthma-breastfeeding associations. The interaction between asthma and comorbidities on breastfeeding outcomes was also tested in models.
Results:
Among 40,151 births, 4412 (11%) were to women with asthma. Asthma was associated with slightly reduced breastfeeding initiation (adjusted relative risk [aRR] = 0.98; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.96, 0.99), exclusive breastmilk feeding at birth (aRR = 0.98; 95% CI, 0.96, 0.99) and postpartum follow-up (aRR = 0.97; 95% CI, 0.94, 0.99), and increased risk of breastfeeding issues (aRR = 1.07; 95% CI, 1.02, 1.11). Potential mediators (cesarean birth, preterm birth, low birthweight, and neonatal hospitalization) did not alter associations by >10% for breastfeeding initiation, breastfeeding issues, or exclusive breastmilk postpartum. No interaction effects were observed between asthma and maternal comorbidities (body mass index, mental health diagnosis, and diabetes) on breastfeeding outcomes.
Conclusions:
Maternal asthma was negatively associated with breastfeeding outcomes in the immediate postpartum period; associations were not explained by perinatal factors or comorbidities. Findings highlight the need for early breastfeeding support for women with asthma.
More Related Videos
05:31Noninvasive Sampling of Mucosal Lining Fluid for the Quantification of In Vivo Upper Airway Immune-mediator Levels
Published on: August 7, 2017
06:15Protocol and Guidelines for Point-of-Care Lung Ultrasound in Diagnosing Neonatal Pulmonary Diseases Based on International Expert Consensus
Published on: March 6, 2019
Related Concept Videos
Asthma-I: Introduction
Asthma I: Introduction
Development of the Oral Microbiota
Asthma III: Clinical Manifestations
Asthma: Pathogenesis and Management
Asthma is classified as allergic and non-allergic. Allergens such as dust mites, pollen, and pet dander trigger allergic asthma, while factors like cold air, intense emotions, or exercise can induce non-allergic asthma.
Breathing