PROLONGED BREAST FEEDING AS PROPHYLAXIS FOR RECURRENT OTITIS MEDIA

Abstract

ABSTRACT. The incidence of otitis media was studied in 237 healthy children in reference to the duration of breast‐feeding, with a follow‐up from birth to three years of age. Recurrent otitis media was strongly associated with early bottle‐feeding, in contrast to prolonged breast‐feeding which had a long‐term protecting effect up to three years of age. It is uncertain whether the prophylactic effect of prolonged breast‐feeding on recurrent otitis is due to protection by human milk from infections or allergy, or to avoidance of harmful effects caused by cow's milk.