Breastfeeding and Mental Health Study

[Guest guest]

Preaching to the choir, as we say,but useful with some clients perhaps

from http://www.chinadaily.com.cn/lifestyle/2006-10/29/content_719295.htm

 

Breastfed babies have better mental health

Updated: 2006-10-29 16:11

 

A new study has found that babies that are breastfed for longer than

six months have significantly better mental health in childhood.

 

The findings are based on data from the ground-breaking Raine Study at

the Telethon Institute for Child Health Research, that has tracked the

growth and development of more than 2500 West Australian children over

the past 16 years.

 

Researcher Dr Wendy Oddy said there was growing evidence that

bioactive factors in breast milk played an important role in the rapid

early brain development that occurs in the first year of life.

 

" Even when we adjust the results to take into account other factors

such as the parents' socio-economic situation, their education, their

happiness and family functioning, we see that children that were

breastfed for at least six months are at lower risk of mental health

problems, " Dr Oddy said.

 

The study found that children who were breastfed for less than six

months compared to six months or longer had a 52% increased risk of a

mental health problem at 2 years of age, a 55% increased risk at age

6, at age 8 the increased risk was 61% while at age 10 the increased

risk was 37%.

 

The analysis is based on a scientifically recognised checklist of

child behaviour that assessed the study children's behaviour at 2, 6,

8 and 10 years of age.

 

Dr Oddy said that children that were breastfed had particularly lower

rates of delinquent, aggressive and anti-social behaviour, and overall

were less depressed, anxious or withdrawn.

 

" These results are powerful evidence for more support to be given to

mothers to help them breastfeed for longer, " she said.

[Guest guest]

Well, I heard a long time ago that breastfed babies have an IQ about 11 points

higher than formula fed babies. And as far as behavior, emotional differences,

it only makes sense that the child would beging his life with more stability and

self assurance from the bonding and intimacy that goes on between mom and baby

with such close contact. Vicky