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Breastfeeding and childhood acute otitis media: a systematic review and meta‐analysis

Acta Paediatrica · 2015 · Vol. 104(S467) · pp. 85–95

Gayan Bowatte(The University of Melbourne)Rachel Tham(The University of Melbourne)Katrina J. Allen(Royal Children's Hospital)DJ Tan(University of Tasmania)MXZ Lau(The University of Melbourne)Xin Dai(The University of Melbourne)Caroline Lodge✉(Royal Children's Hospital)

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Abstract

This systematic review and meta-analysis provides evidence that breastfeeding protects against AOM until 2 years of age, but protection is greater for exclusive breastfeeding and breastfeeding of longer duration. Exclusive breastfeeding during the first 6 months was associated with around a 43% reduction in ever having AOM in the first 2 years of life. After 2 years of age, there is no evidence that breastfeeding protects against AOM; however, there were few studies and the evidence quality was low.

Ear Surgery and Otitis Media Respiratory and Cough-Related Research Pediatric health and respiratory diseasesBreastfeedingMedicineMeta-analysisOtitisPediatricsCINAHLSystematic reviewBreast feedingMEDLINEFamily medicine