Prolonged Breast Feeding as Prophylaxis for Recurrent Otitis Media

. The incidence of otitis media was studied in 237 healthy children in reference to the duration of breast-feeding, with a follow-up from birth to three years of age. Recurrent otitis media was strongly associated with early bottle-feeding, in contrast to prolonged breast-feeding which had a long-term protecting effect up to three years of age. It is uncertain whether the prophylactic effect of prolonged breast-feeding on recurrent otitis is due to protection by human milk from infections or allergy, or to avoidance of harmful effects caused by cow's milk.