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Dr. Thomas Vento, Family Practice, Worthington Personal Physicians

Mercy Family Practice Physician Dr. Thomas Vento Discusses Study Which Indicates Breastfeeding Reduces Respiratory Infection Risk

Most new mothers know that breast feeding is the best thing for their baby. But breast feeding exclusively is not always too easy to accomplish.

Now a new study shows just how much better breast milk, with no supplemental feedings, really is.

Little Ellie Cathirell is just 4 months old, healthy and happy, and fed exclusively on breast milk by her mom, Nicole -- no formula or solid food. But her dad, Reggie, played a role in that too.

"When I was pregnant, my husband encouraged me to breastfeed, so I did, and it went really well," said Nicole Cathirell. "Plus, I lost my pregnancy weight quickly. I weigh less now than when I became pregnant."

Her doctor also played a part. Mercy Medical Center family practice physician Dr. Thomas Vento is a big believer in breastfeeding, even though he knows it can be a challenge.

"A lot of factors make it difficult," he said. "Family members pushing the other way, or the doctor didn't encourage them properly, or not understanding fully the benefits of breastfeeding."

A new study shows that breastfeeding, exclusively, significantly lowers the risk of upper and lower respiratory infections and stomach problems.

According to Dr. Vento, both are dangerous to babies.

"Lower respiratory tract infections include pneumonia or bronchiolitis, and diarrhea can be a killer in children," he said. "They can get dehydrated."

Ellie could be the poster baby for breastfeeding only. She started sleeping through the night at seven weeks.

"Yes, I guess I stock her up well enough to sleep through the night," Nicole Cathirell said. "Everything is going really well." To view Dr. Vento's interview with WBAL-TV11 at Worthington Personal Physicians online, visit this link: http://www.wbaltv.com/womansdoctor/24479656/detail.html