Morbidity in breast-fed and artificially fed infants. II.

The advantages of breast-feeding in reducing morbidity was previously shown in a group of rural infants. Those observations are extended and refined. The protection afforded by breast-feeding is greatest during the early months, increases with the duration of breast-feeding, and appears to be more striking for serious illness. It operates independently of the effect of associated factors such as socioeducational status, family size, day-care exposure, and birth weight.