Breastfeeding is well-known for providing a wealth of benefits to both mother and child. However, recent studies have shown that one of the most significant advantages of breastfeeding is its effect on a child’s cognitive abilities.

Study 1: Breastfeeding and Intelligence

In a study published in The Lancet, researchers found that children who were breastfed for at least 12 months had higher IQ scores than those who were not breastfed or were breastfed for a shorter period.

The study, which followed more than 3,500 children, found that those who were breastfed for longer had an average IQ score of 7.5 points higher than those who were breastfed for less time or not at all.

But why does breastfeeding have such a significant impact on a child’s cognitive abilities? One theory is that breast milk contains long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids (LCPUFAs), which are essential for brain development.

These LCPUFAs are especially important during the first few years of life when the brain is developing at its fastest rate.

Study 2: Breastfeeding and Executive Function

In another study published in JAMA Pediatrics, researchers found that breastfeeding may also have a positive effect on a child’s executive function, which includes skills such as problem-solving, decision-making, and attention control.

The study followed more than 1,300 children and found that those who were breastfed for at least six months had better executive function skills at age 3 than those who were not breastfed or were breastfed for a shorter period.

The study’s authors suggest that the nutrients in breast milk, such as omega-3 fatty acids and choline, may play a role in the development of executive function skills.

Study 3: Breastfeeding and Language Development

Language development is another area where breastfeeding has been shown to have a positive impact.

In a study published in Pediatrics, researchers found that children who were breastfed for longer had better language development at 2 years of age than those who were breastfed for a shorter period.

The study followed more than 1,000 children and found that those who were breastfed for at least 8 months had better receptive language skills, such as understanding and following directions, than those who were breastfed for less time.

Study 4: Breastfeeding and School Performance

Finally, breastfeeding has also been shown to have a positive impact on a child’s school performance.

In a study published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, researchers found that children who were breastfed for longer had higher academic scores in elementary school than those who were not breastfed or were breastfed for a shorter period.

The study followed more than 1,000 children and found that those who were breastfed for at least 6 months had higher scores in reading, writing, and math than those who were breastfed for less time or not at all.

The Benefits of Breastfeeding

These studies provide strong evidence that breastfeeding has significant benefits for a child’s cognitive development. But the benefits don’t stop there. Breastfeeding also provides a wide range of other benefits, including:.