Table 1 Evidence-based estimation to measure the benefits of breastfeeding
From: Social value of maintaining baby-friendly hospital initiative accreditation in Australia: case study
Benefits of breastfeeding | Prevalence/Incidence rate | Odds ratio |
|---|---|---|
Babies | ||
 Reduce risk in diarrhea | 100% | 26% [37] |
 Reduce risk in respiratory infection | 14% [38] | 18% [5] |
 Reduce risk in acute otitis media | 25% [39] | 43% [6] |
 Reduce risk of Necrotizing Enterocolitis (NEC) | 3% [40] | 38% [41] |
 Higher IQ | 0.008% [33] | 0.21% [33] |
 Reduce risk in obesity | 67% [42] | 26% [43] |
 Reduce risk in type 1 diabetes | 0.012% [44] | 55% [3] |
 Reduce risk in type 2 diabetes | 5% [45] | 35% [46] |
 Reduce risk in Sudden Death Infant Syndrome (SIDS) | 3% [47] | 40% [4] |
Mothers | ||
 Reduce risk in breast cancer | 13% [48] | 4% [49] |
 Reduce risk in cardiovascular disease | 5% [50] | 9% [51] |
 Ovarian Cancer | 1% [52] | 24% [53] |
 Hypertension | 12% [54] | 12% [51] |
 Formula cost saving | Breastfeeding initiation rate in Calvary hospital, Australia = 97% | Exclusive breastfeeding rate in Australia = 15.4% [55] |