By IANS
New York : Breast feeding may help protect babies from developing allergies such as asthmas, eczema and reaction to food, says a new US health guideline.
Breast-feeding is already known to provide many health benefits as well as promote emotional well-being for both mother and infant.
Now the American Academy of Paediatrics (AAP) has issued a new policy statement saying that exclusive breastfeeding for at least four months, compared with feeding regular formula made from cow’s milk, appears to help protect children against milk allergy and eczema in the first two years of life.
The organisation, however, said their new guidelines apply only to babies with a high risk of developing allergic disease, not those who already have asthma, food allergies or eczema, reported the online edition of health Magazine WebMD.
The paediatricians said if there is a family history of allergy problems, it is clear that mothers should breastfeed exclusively for at least four months.