It creates smarter babies.
Researchers continue to uncover growing evidence of the positive effects breastfeeding has on infants, with some benefits lasting into later childhood and even adulthood. New findings suggest that breastfeeding may play a significant role in a child’s early developmental progress, particularly in areas such as motor skills, social behavior, and language development. In some cases, breastfeeding appears to reduce the risk of certain neurodevelopmental conditions that could lead to long-term disabilities.
A large-scale study conducted in Israel and published in JAMA Network Open examined data from over half a million children, including nearly 38,000 sibling pairs. The research found that children breastfed for at least six months had a lower incidence of developmental delays and were less likely to be diagnosed with conditions such as autism, ADHD, and cerebral palsy. These associations remained strong even after adjusting for various influencing factors, including the child’s birth weight, family dynamics, and the mother’s age and marital status.
The study’s strength lies in its control for confounding variables, which are outside influences that could distort the true relationship between breastfeeding and development. By including sibling pairs in the analysis, researchers were better able to isolate the impact of breastfeeding from other familial or environmental factors. The team suggested that extended breastfeeding might promote healthier gut microbiomes and contribute to differences in brain structure and connectivity, which could explain the developmental advantages observed.
Data also showed that children who were exclusively breastfed for six months experienced fewer developmental challenges compared to those who received a mix of breastmilk and formula. However, some experts, including pediatrician Dr. David Berger, believe that the length of breastfeeding may be even more important than whether or not it is exclusive. He noted that the study’s scale and its inclusion of sibling data offer compelling support for breastfeeding’s long-term benefits.
The American Academy of Pediatrics supports exclusive breastfeeding for the first six months and recommends continuing breastfeeding alongside the introduction of solid foods for up to two years or longer, based on the preferences of both mother and child. With this new research reinforcing those guidelines, health professionals hope more families will be encouraged to prioritize breastfeeding for its many potential developmental advantages.
Discussion about this post