Antibiotic Resistance and Breastfeeding: A Neglected Area of Study

Research has shown that nursing mothers being treated with antibiotics expose their babies to sub-therapeutic doses of antibiotics. Through an analysis of published literature, this paper explores whether this exposure may promote the development of antimicrobial resistance in babies. We conclude that research examining the potential effect of antibiotic use by nursing mothers on antimicrobial resistance in their babies is needed to improve efforts to reduce antibiotic resistance by reducing unnecessary or inappropriate antibiotic prescribing.