Impact of Exclusive Breastfeeding on Growth and Immunity in Infants up to 6 Months

Submission: 01 November 2025 | Acceptance: 20 January 2026 | Publication: 09 April 2026

Dr Farid Ullah1, Nouraiz Shakoor2, Ahsan Ul Haq3, Ayesha Bano4, Mobeen Ali5, Mohammed Akhtar Khan6

1Assistant Professor of Pediatrics DHQ Teaching Hospital MTI DIKHAN

2Senior Registrar, Madinah Teaching Hospital Faisalabad

3Associate Professor, Mohterma Benazir Bhutto Shaheed Medical College Mirpur Azad Kashmir

4PIMS, Islamabad

5PIMS, Islamabad

6Consultant Head of the Department of PEADS, NSHS SZABIST.

ABSTRACT:

Background: Exclusive breastfeeding during the first six months of life has been widely recommended due to its significant benefits on infant growth and immune development. It provides optimal nutrition and bioactive components that enhance resistance against infections. However, variations in feeding practices may influence growth patterns and susceptibility to illnesses in early infancy.

Aim: This study aimed to evaluate the impact of exclusive breastfeeding on growth parameters and immunity in infants up to six months of age.

Methodology: This cross-sectional study was conducted at PIMS, Islamabad, from May 2025 to April 2026. A total of 90 infants aged up to six months were included and divided into two groups: exclusively breastfed (n=60) and non-exclusively breastfed (n=30). Data on demographic characteristics, feeding practices, and clinical history were collected through structured questionnaires. Growth parameters, including weight, length, and head circumference, were measured and compared with WHO growth standards. Immunity was assessed based on the frequency of common infections such as respiratory tract infections and diarrhea during the first six months of life. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS, and a p-value of <0.05 was considered significant.

Results: Infants who were exclusively breastfed demonstrated significantly better growth outcomes, with higher mean weight (6.8 ± 0.9 kg vs. 5.9 ± 1.1 kg, p=0.002) and length (64.5 ± 2.8 cm vs. 62.1 ± 3.2 cm, p=0.01) compared to non-exclusively breastfed infants. Additionally, the incidence of infections was markedly lower in the exclusively breastfed group, with fewer episodes of respiratory infections (20% vs. 46.7%) and diarrhea (15% vs. 40%). These findings indicated a strong association between exclusive breastfeeding and enhanced immune protection.

Conclusion: Exclusive breastfeeding was associated with improved growth parameters and reduced frequency of infections in infants up to six months of age. The study highlighted the importance of promoting exclusive breastfeeding practices to ensure optimal infant health and development.

Keywords: Exclusive breastfeeding, infant growth, immunity, infections, nutrition, infant health.