Breastfeeding And Behavioral Disorders
The research for the study published by PLoS Medicine involved more than 1,500 children, 900 of whom participated in an early infant feeding study .
While past research has demonstrated the multiple health benefits of all-breastfeeding in early childhood, the long-term benefits for child development remain unclear.
This new study suggests that longer duration of exclusively maternal breastfeeding is associated with fewer behavioral disorders in late childhood.
The recommendation on breastfeeding
The World Health Organization (WHO) recommends exclusively maternal breastfeeding during the first 6 months of life, as well as maintaining breastfeeding until two years of age, combining it with the introduction of solid foods to complement the diet.
Breast milk from lactating mothers provides all the nutrients babies need to grow. It also contains antibodies that help protect them from childhood illnesses such as diarrhea and pneumonia.
According to the WHO, teenagers and adults who were breastfed with breast milk, as babies, are less likely to be obese or suffer from type 2 diabetes. In addition, they are more likely to get better results on tests that assess intelligence. However, the WHO emphasizes that less than 40 percent of babies under 6 months of age are exclusively breastfed.
Reduction of behavior problems
According to the study, 56 percent of children who were exclusively breastfed are less likely to have behavioral disorders between 7 and 11 years of age, compared to those who were only breastfed for less than a month. .
Researchers point out that childhood behavior disorders can lead to aggressive or disruptive behaviors that interfere with learning relationships and relationships with classmates. This can lead to low self-esteem and other behavior problems.
Furthermore, they point out that behavioral disorders that start in childhood and persist into adolescence are linked to the increase in antisocial (and potentially violent and criminal) behaviors, poor long-term mental health and poor academic performance in adulthood.
Other Factors Affecting a Child’s Well-Being
In addition to breastfeeding, the study also examined another set of factors that contributed to a child’s overall health and well-being. For example, researchers found that preschool achievement and a mother’s IQ were important determinants of a child’s cognitive development.
In practice, children who received preschool education for at least 1 year were 74 percent more likely to have greater executive function. The researchers emphasized that executive function influences both educational and social success. In addition, children who were stimulated at home through play were 36 percent more likely to have higher executive function scores.
Some considerations regarding exclusively maternal breastfeeding
Breastfeeding should start from the first hour after the baby is born. And it must be performed whenever the baby asks, without fixed times or restrictions. In addition, the mother, as well as the family, must receive help and support to maintain proper breastfeeding practices. at the same time, it is also necessary to receive information about the benefits for her and the baby of maintaining breastfeeding.
It is necessary for the mother to be aware that breastfeeding is one of the most effective ways to ensure the health and survival of children. Breastfeeding is the healthiest way to feed the baby. Any amount of breastfeeding has a positive effect. But the longer a mother breastfeeds, the longer the baby’s protection will be and the greater the benefits for him.
However, although breastfeeding is a natural function of the body, it takes practice and patience. Because it can end up being frustrating due to numerous physical complications and social influences.
In addition, studies have found that prolonged breastfeeding is related to a higher degree of intelligence, a longer stay in school, and higher incomes in adulthood.
