Children who were breastfed from one to eight months of age had better cognitive function compared to their peers who were not breastfed, a study found.
In research published in the International Journal of Early Childhood, researchers found that four- to five-year-old children who were breastfed in their first eight months of life had higher IQ levels and better working memory, nonverbal abilities, and cognitive functions than their peers.
Breastfeeding Effects on Cognitive Abilities of Children
Susana Vargas-Perez, the study's author, aimed to explore a possible link between breastfeeding and the cognitive abilities of children aged four to five. The study analyzed data from the ECLIPSES and EPINED studies, specifically those belonging to 613 children born between 2013 and 2014.
The studies followed infants from birth until they were aged four or five. Both studies also collected data on breastfeeding practices. When the children were four years old, they were asked to complete an assessment of cognitive abilities using the Wechsler Preschool and Primary Scale of Intelligence.
It is important to note that the study incorporated data from both exclusive breastfeeding and mixed feeding. This means it is unclear whether exclusive breastfeeding provides a significant cognitive advantage compared to a combination of breastfeeding and formula.
What Are the Other Benefits of Breastfeeding?
In addition to those outlined in the study, breastfeeding has also been known to provide antibodies to infants. This helps them protect against infections and diseases, including eczema, diabetes, asthma, obesity, and leukemia, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
Studies also showed that breastfeeding lowered the risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS), per the National Institutes of Health (NIH).
Children are not the only ones benefitting from breastfeeding. Mothers who breastfeed have a lower risk of developing breast cancer, endometrial cancer, ovarian cancer, and thyroid cancer. Hormonal changes associated with breastfeeding can further protect mothers from type 2 diabetes and high blood pressure.
Furthermore, breastfeeding mothers see their uterus contract back to its size before their pregnancy more quickly than mothers who do not breastfeed. This reduces their risk of postpartum bleeding.
