Breastfeeding Linked to Big Reduction in Infant Mortality: New Study

Breastfeeding may be a real lifesaver for infants during the first year after delivery, a new study finds. Breastfed babies are 33% less likely to die in the post-perinatal period, from day 7 to day 364. Researchers analyzed birth and death certificate data for nearly 10 million infants born in the US from 2016 to 2018. The results showed a strong link between breastfeeding and reduced infant mortality across the entire country, but there were regional differences.

The Northeast and Mid-Atlantic had the largest reductions, while the Southeast had the smallest. Though breastfeeding is widely recommended, the authors say breastfeeding rates are still falling short of national goals, especially in certain racial populations and geographic areas.

The lead investigator says, "Together with existing literature, the data suggests that breastfeeding promotion and support may be an effective strategy to help reduce infant mortality in the US". She adds that breastfeeding saves lives and should be a key component in all initiatives aimed at reducing infant mortality.