Why are breastfed babies less likely to have SIDS?

Understanding the Link Between Breastfeeding and Reduced SIDS Risk
Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) remains one of the most distressing phenomena for new parents, representing the unexplained death of an otherwise healthy infant, typically during sleep. Research has increasingly pointed to breastfeeding as a significant protective factor against SIDS, with compelling evidence suggesting that breastfed babies are less likely to succumb to this tragic condition.
The Protective Benefits of Breastfeeding
One of the primary reasons breastfeeding is associated with a lower risk of SIDS is its role in enhancing an infant’s immune system. Breast milk is rich in antibodies and other immunological factors that help protect infants from infections, particularly respiratory and gastrointestinal infections, which have been linked to an increased risk of SIDS. Studies indicate that breastfeeding can mitigate the severity of these infections, thereby reducing the likelihood of complications that could lead to sudden death.
Moreover, breastfeeding fosters a closer bond between mother and child, which can lead to more attentive caregiving. Mothers who breastfeed often develop a heightened sensitivity to their baby’s needs, allowing them to respond more quickly to any signs of distress during sleep. This increased awareness can be crucial in preventing situations that might lead to SIDS, such as accidental suffocation.
Duration Matters
Research has shown that the duration of breastfeeding plays a critical role in its protective effects. Infants who are breastfed for at least two months have been found to have their risk of SIDS halved compared to those who are not breastfed or who are breastfed for shorter periods. The longer the breastfeeding continues, the greater the protective benefits appear to be, suggesting that sustained breastfeeding may provide cumulative advantages in safeguarding against SIDS.
Sleep Practices and Breastfeeding
Breastfeeding is often associated with certain sleep practices that can further reduce SIDS risk. For instance, breastfeeding mothers are more likely to co-sleep with their infants, which can facilitate easier feeding and monitoring during the night. While co-sleeping carries its own risks if not done safely, when practiced correctly, it can enhance the mother’s ability to respond to her baby’s needs, potentially lowering the risk of SIDS.
Conclusion
In summary, the evidence supporting the protective effects of breastfeeding against SIDS is robust and multifaceted. By bolstering the infant’s immune system, fostering closer maternal-infant bonds, and promoting safer sleep practices, breastfeeding emerges as a vital strategy in reducing the risk of this devastating syndrome. As parents navigate the complexities of infant care, understanding the benefits of breastfeeding can empower them to make informed choices that enhance their baby’s health and safety.

Is SIDS less common in breastfed babies?

Both partial and exclusive breastfeeding have been shown to be associated with a lower SIDS rate, but exclusive breastfeeding was associated with the lowest risk.

Why is SIDS declining?

In the last 20 years, SIDS incidence has dropped by more than 50%, partly due to the “Back to Sleep” campaign [34]. Relative to the 3500 newborns that die every year in the U.S. from sleep-related reasons, including sudden infant death syndrome, a black baby dies in Indiana every 13 hours (SIDS) [6].

What are breastfed babies less at risk for?

Infants who are breastfed have reduced risk of:
Asthma. Severe lower respiratory disease. Obesity.

Why does breastfeeding make cosleeping safer?

“When breastfeeding mothers sleep with their infants, they protect them from potential physiological stressors including airway covering and overheating by their characteristic sleep position (curled around their infants, making a constrained sleep space with their bodies), known as the C-position,” they state.

What happens to your boobs if you don’t breastfeed?

You may have some milk leak from your breasts, and your breasts may feel sore and swollen. This is called engorgement. It usually gets better after several days. Over time, your body will stop making milk if you don’t breastfeed or pump.

Does breastfeeding protect from SIDS?

Research shows that babies who are breastfed or fed human milk are at a reduced risk for SIDS compared with babies who were never breastfed or fed human milk. The longer a baby is exclusively breastfed or fed human milk, the lower the baby’s risk of SIDS.

Does combo feeding reduce SIDS?

In fact, just two months of breastfeeding, even combined with formula, reduces SIDS risk, according to the new study in Pediatrics. Not only does the evidence therefore confirm SIDS risk reduction, but it also means mothers doing combination feeding can take heart that their children get the same benefit.

What is the single most significant factor for SIDS?

• Babies placed to sleep on their stomachs or sides are at higher risk for SIDS.
• Babies who are used to sleeping on their backs but who are placed on their stomachs or sides for sleep, like for a nap, are at very high risk of SIDS.

Why is SIDS higher in formula-fed babies?

Studies have found that a significantly higher number of formula fed SIDS infants have C. perfringens and its enterotoxin in their faeces compared to breast fed infants.

Why we should not breastfeed while sleeping?

If you fall asleep while feeding baby in your bed, place them on their back in a separate sleep area made for babies as soon as you wake up. Evidence shows that the longer a parent and baby share the same bed, the greater the risk for sleep-related infant deaths.