Prolonged breastfeeding: benefits for the child
Breastfeeding brings many benefits , with regard to the survival of the child in particular in the protection of infectious diseases. However, it also has long-term benefits, which can extend into adulthood and even beyond.
This is the conclusion of a recent Brazilian study showing the benefits of prolonged breastfeeding on IQ , studies, or income, regardless of socio-economic category.
Breastfeeding improves brain function
Several studies have already shown that breastfeeding is beneficial and in particular stimulates the development of the brain of the child and thus optimizes his IQ.
In this recent study from the Federal University of Pelotas located in Brazil (1) , researchers analyzed and followed for more than 30 years, 3493 infants . They established that prolonged breastfeeding increases intelligence at a minimum, until the age of 30, and that this would also have an impact on the level of education and income.
The scientists divided the duration of breastfeeding into five levels, and the participants’ IQs assessed using the Wechsler Adult Intelligence Scale. They also took into account different factors in their study, such as the mother’s age, birth weight, maternal smoking during pregnancy, mode of delivery, etc.
The findings show a relationship between prolonged duration of breastfeeding and high intelligence in adulthood , as well as longer study duration and higher income.
Moreover, the researchers noticed that this relationship is what is called dose-dependent. Specifically, the longer breastfeeding is prolonged, the greater the benefits on cognitive development.
Thus, for example, a child breastfed for about a year has 4 additional IQ points, as well as a higher year of study and income above the average salary, up to 30%, compared to a child breastfed for less. one month.
Socio-economic class ruled out
In this study, the scientists wanted to rule out the socio-economic factor , in order to prove that prolonged breastfeeding has many benefits, regardless of social class.
Various studies had already linked breastfeeding and IQ before. However , social class was defined as too important an influencing factor: indeed, the longest durations of breastfeeding are found among mothers from high socio-economic classes.
This latest study revealed the effects of prolonged breastfeeding on cognitive development, extending into adulthood and even beyond.
Stephen Paul is the lead author and founder of My Health Sponsor. Holder of a diploma in health and well-being coaching with more than 200 articles in the field of health, he makes it a point of honor to offer advice based on reliable information, based on scientific research, and verified by health professionals.