Psychological and intellectual differences between breastfed and formula-fed children used to be attributed to the interaction associated with breastfeeding and because mothers who breastfeed were better educated and/or more child-centred. However, new evidence shows that there are nutrients in breast milk that enhance brain growth and emotional stability.

Babies are not the only ones to benefit from breastfeeding: various studies show that mothers who breastfeed are also better off physically and psychologically.

Benefits for baby

    • An 18-year longitudinal study of over 1 000 children found that those who were breastfed have IQ scores averaging seven to ten points higher than those who were fed on formula. The children also had greater academic achievement than children who were formula-fed, even after other influences on school performance were taken into account. Children who have been breastfed do better at reading, writing and maths at the ages five, seven, 11 and 14. Just four weeks on mothers’ milk can have a significant effect on a child’s development in primary and secondary school, but the intellectual advantage gained from breastfeeding is greater the longer the baby is breastfed.
    • Other studies concurred that breastfed children have increased cognitive development, are less likely to have behavioural problems and have higher IQs. Both childhood and adult psychological health measurements were higher in children who had been breastfed for at least a month. They showed lower levels of emotional distress, including anxiety or anguish, and higher self-efficacy, which psychologists define as people’s belief in their ability to influence the events of their lives.
    • Another study published by C Baumgartner found that breastfed babies had superior psychomotor and social capabilities at the age of 12 months.
    • A long-term study conducted by Dr Paivi Merjonen of the University of Turku in Finland, found that children who were breastfed for the first six months of life displayed lower levels of hostility, cynicism and paranoia at age 24 compared to their peers who were bottle-fed.

Benefits for mother

    • Breastfeeding stimulates the release of the hormone oxytocin in the mother’s body. Oxytocin, as well as stimulating uterine contractions and milk ejection, promotes the development of maternal behaviour and bonding between mother and baby.
    • Recent research has revealed that breastfeeding mothers get more sleep than those who bottle-feed their babies (particularly when the baby is in proximity to the mother) and that this has major implications for their mental health. The sleep-inducing qualities of nursing a baby are remarkable. Even pumping at work can be a great way to calm down and refocus on a stressful day.

 

Sources
Baumgartner, C., “Psychomotor and social development of breast fed and bottle fed babies during their first year of life”
Horwood & Fergusson, “Breastfeeding and later cognitive and academic outcomes”, Jan 1998. Pediatrics. Vol. 101, No.1
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