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The effects of breastfeeding exclusivity on early childhood outcomes

Author

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  • Jenkins, J.M.
  • Foster, E.M.

Abstract

Objectives. We examined the relationship between breastfeeding exclusivity and duration and children's health and cognitive outcomes at ages 2 and 4 years. Methods. We used the Early Childhood Longitudinal Study-Birth Cohort, a nationally representative sample of 10 700 children born in the United States in 2001. Parent interviews and child assessments were conducted in measurement waves at 9 months, 2 years, 4 years, and in kindergarten, with the focus on ages 2 and 4 years. We employed propensity scores as a means of adjusting for confounding involving observed characteristics. Results. Outcome analyses using propensity scores showed some small effects of breastfeeding on key outcomes at age 4 years but not at age 2 years. Effects appeared to be concentrated in reading and cognitive outcomes. Overall, we found no consistent evidence for dosage effects of breastfeeding exclusivity. Our sensitivity analyses revealed that a small amount of unobserved confounding could be responsible for the resulting benefits. Conclusions. Our study revealed little or no effect of breastfeeding exclusivity and duration on key child outcomes.

Suggested Citation

  • Jenkins, J.M. & Foster, E.M., 2014. "The effects of breastfeeding exclusivity on early childhood outcomes," American Journal of Public Health, American Public Health Association, vol. 104(S1), pages 128-135.
    • Handle: RePEc:aph:ajpbhl:10.2105/ajph.2013.301713_8
    DOI: 10.2105/AJPH.2013.301713
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