The Association between Breastfeeding Duration and Infant Growth Patterns during the First Year of Life: A Prospective Study

Breastfeeding is the normative standard for infant feeding, providing optimal nutrition and numerous health benefits. However, the specific relationship between the duration and exclusivity of breastfeeding and detailed anthropometric growth patterns during the critical first year of life requires ongoing investigation.

This study aimed to investigate the correlation between varying durations of exclusive and any breastfeeding and standard growth parameters in infants from birth to 12 months.A prospective cohort study was conducted [mention hypothetical setting, in primary care clinics in Baghdad, Iraq. Healthy, full-term infants (N= 350) were recruited at birth and followed up at 2, 4, 6, 9, and 12 months. Data on feeding practices (exclusive breastfeeding [EBF], partial breastfeeding, formula feeding) were collected using standardized questionnaires at each visit.

Infants exclusively breastfed for 6 months demonstrated growth patterns closely aligned with WHO standards, exhibiting potentially leaner growth trajectories (lower WAZ and WLZ) in the mid-infancy period compared to formula-fed infants, but typically catching up by 12 months. Longer duration of any breastfeeding was positively associated with length-for-age Z-scores (LAZ) throughout the first year. Head circumference growth appeared less influenced by feeding type after adjusting for confounders.

Duration and exclusivity of breastfeeding significantly correlate with infant growth patterns in the first year. Longer EBF aligns with normative growth standards, potentially promoting a leaner phenotype initially. These findings underscore the importance of supporting mothers to achieve recommended breastfeeding durations for optimal infant growth and development.