>>This was cited with the following comment.... "... No independent protective effect was identified from breastfeeding when we controlled forother significant factors. ...The lack of any 'dose response' effect from breast feeding suggests that this is acting as a marker of the lifestyle of the others who breast feed rather than showing a biologic effect initself." Fleming et al<< >>Therefore, it looks like there is no physiological protective effect from breastfeeding. As a pediatrician, I recommend breast feeding for any infant when possible, because of general health benefits. However, I do not think we can honestly state that prevention of SIDS is linked to breast feeding.<< I like Dr. Sear's analysis of the information: *While bfg may not be directly protective, some studies have shown that SIDS often occurs two or three weeks *after* the onset of a cold or similar infection. If breastfeeding minimizes these illnesses, it is also possibly lowering the risk of SIDS; *Breastfed babies on the average wake more often to eat, including at night times, because human milk is more easily digested. If the theory that long sleep periods put babies at higher risk for SIDS is true, then breastfeeding provides a more beneficial environment. *Babies can be breastfed in bed with parents. If co-sleeping lowers the risks of SIDS, then breastfeeding again provides a more beneficial environment for baby. Personally, I find the above reasoning very compelling evidence, if not direct. -Lisa Marasco, BA, LLLL, IBCLC