Anyone have this study?  This is the abstract only.  Please e-mail me.
Valerie W. McClain, IBCLC   [log in to unmask]


A longitudinal Analysis of Infant Morbidity and the Extent of Breastfeeding
in the United States.
1997. Paula D. Scariati, Laurence M. Grummer-Strawn and Sara Beck Fein.
Pediatrics 99(6):e5 (Electronic Article) Background.   Studies on the health
benefits of breastfeeding in developed countries have shown conflicting
results. These studies often fail to account for confounding, reverse
causality, and dose-response effects. We addressed these issues in analyzing
longitudinal data to determine if breastfeeding protects US infants from
developing diarrhea and ear infections. Methods.   Mothers participating in a
mail panel provided information on their infants at ages 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, and 7
months. Infants were classified as exclusively breastfed; high, middle, or
low mixed breast-and formula-fed; or exclusively formula-fed. Diarrhea and
ear infection diagnoses were based on mothers' reports. Infant age and
gender; other liquid and solid intake; maternal education, occupation, and
smoking; household size; family income; and day care use were adjusted for in
the full models. Results.   The risk of developing either diarrhea or ear
infection increased as the amount of breast milk an infant received
decreased. In the full models, the risk for diarrhea remained significant
only in infants who received no breast milk compared with those who received
only breast milk (odds ratio = 1.8); the risk for ear infection remained
significant in the low mixed feeding group (odds ratio = 1.6) and among
infants receiving no breast milk compared with those who received only breast
milk (odds ratio = 1.7). Conclusions.   Breastfeeding protects US infants
against the development of diarrhea and ear infection. Breastfeeding does not
have to be exclusive to confer this benefit. In fact, protection is afforded
in a dose-response manner. The more breast milk an infant receives in the
first 6 months of life, the less likely that he or she will develop diarrhea
or ear infection.

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