Experts and mothers alike have for years been assessing the pros and cons of breastfeeding. Recent research from Boston Children's Hospital indicates that longer breastfeeding periods are associated with greater intelligence in the baby's future. Public acceptance of breastfeeding as well as mothers' dietary choices may hinder the positive effects of breastfeeding.
Mandy B. Belfort, M.D., M.P.H., and her colleagues studied the relationship between breastfeeding duration and child cognition at ages 3 and 7. They found a statistically significant association between longer breatfeeding duration and higher Peabody Picture Vocabulary Test scores at age 3 and also with higher intelligence on the Kaufman Brief Intelligence Test at age 7. An IQ benefit of 0.35 points per month on the verbal scale and of 0.29 points per month on the nonverbal scale was noted for children breastfed until 1 year old.
Researchers at Boston Children's Hospital also studied the impact of a mother's fish intake on the relationship between breastfeeding duration and the Wide Range Assessment of Visual Motor Abilities at age 3. Although not statistically significant, the study indicated a positive relationship between greater fish intake (greater than or equal to 2 servings of fish per week) and a stronger relationship between breastfeeding duration and abilities.
The findings of this study support exclusive breastfeeding for the first 6 months of life and continuation of breastfeeding through the rest of the year. However, most mothers discontinue breastfeeding after 6 months of age. Also, it is difficult for mothers to breastfeed babies in public because it is looked down upon, and often even prohibited. If the complications of breastfeeding are alleviated, mothers may choose to breastfeed children for longer periods of time, reaping the benefits of improved future cognitive abilities.
Reference: http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2013/07/130729231601.htm
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