Are you surprised to learn that bacteremia and meningitis could be prevented in many young infants by breastfeeding?

In some scientific journals it was published that the data showed reduced illness of all types in breast-fed infants. It was added that many thought that mother's milk protected only gastrointestinal tract. It was supposed that factors other than antibodies might account for this protection. Despite these advantages, the author added, the majority of American infants were still not breast-fed. He stressed that the evidence pointed to the fact that in some cases breast-feeding might prevent or delay celiac disease, diabetes mellitus, inflammatory bowel disease and allergies.

Additional observations suggested that breast-feeding might prevent fatal liver disease and modify chronic lung disease, coronary artery disease and obesity. The author warned that the possibility of human milk prophylaxis for so many diseases must not be exaggerated.

In conclusion, it was pointed out that breast-feeding might be good for mothers.