To the Editor:
"Asthma Alert", March 1996, failed to mention that exclusive
breastfeeding for at least the first 6 months of life is protective against
asthma and wheezing. Children studied to age 17 retained this benefit from
being breastfed as infants. Many readers of Sesame Street Parents will go on
to bear more children and would appreciate knowing they can stack the deck in
their next child's favor by breastfeeding.
Catherine Watson Genna, IBCLC International Board Certified Lactation
Consultant, New York City.