Birth weight and the effects of birth spacing and breastfeeding on infant mortality
Millman, S.R.; Cooksey, E.C.
Studies in Family Planning 18(4): 202-212
1987
ISSN/ISBN: 0039-3665 PMID: 3629662 DOI: 10.2307/1966871Document Number: 337768
The many links among birth spacing, breast feeding and infant mortality are discussed. Data from the Malaysian Family Life Survey are presented, along with a review of the methodology used. The first of the two analyses considers who breast feeds, and the second looks at the effects of breast feeding and birth spacing on mortality at various ages. It is concluded that birth intervals of over 18 months are advantageous, breast feeding increases children's chances of survival, and in countries with less favourable conditions for children's survival there is an improvement in survival chances associated with breast feeding up to 12 months old. Birth spacing seems to have an effect on infant mortality independent of its association with breast feeding.