Breastfeeding And Behavioral Problems – Being Parents

Although previous research has demonstrated the multiple health  benefits  of exclusive breastfeeding during infancy, the long-term benefits for child development are still uncertain. This new study establishes a link between  the duration of exclusive breastfeeding and behavioral problems in late childhood.

Breastfeeding advice

The World Health Organization  recommends exclusive breastfeeding for the first 6 months of life, as well as continued breastfeeding for up to two years by combining with the introduction of solid foods to supplement the diet. .

Breast milk provides infants with all the nutrients they need to grow. It also contains antibodies that help protect babies against childhood illnesses, such as  diarrhea  and pneumonia.

According to the WHO, adolescents and adults who were breastfed when they were little are less likely to be obese or have type 2 diabetes. In addition, they are more likely to pass tests that assess intelligence. However,  the WHO reports that less than 40% of babies under 6 months are fed exclusively breast milk. 

Reduced behavioral problems

According to the study,  56% of exclusively breastfed children are less likely to have behavior problems between the ages of 7 and 11  than those who were breastfed for less than a month.

Researchers point out that  behavioral disorders in childhood can lead to aggressive or disruptive behaviors,  which interfere with learning and peers, which can lead to low self-esteem as well as other behavioral problems.

They also report that  behavioral disorders that begin in childhood and persist into adolescence are associated with increased antisocial (and potentially violent or criminal) behavior , long-term poor mental health, and poor outcomes. school to adulthood.

Other factors that affect the well-being of the child

Beyond breastfeeding,  research has also looked at a number of factors that contribute to a child’s general health and well-being. For example, researchers found that assisted primary education as well as mother’s IQ were important determinants of children’s cognitive development.

Concretely,  children who received preschool education for at least one year had a 74% more chance of having a main executive function. Researchers report that executive function influences both academic and social success. Additionally, children who were stimulated at home through play were 36% more likely to score better in executive function.

Some considerations on exclusive breastfeeding

Breastfeeding should begin within one hour of the baby’s birth and should be on demand with  no schedules or restrictions. In addition, the mother and family should receive assistance and support to maintain best breastfeeding practices, as well as information about the benefits to her and her baby of prolonging breastfeeding.

The mother should be made aware that  breastfeeding is one of the most effective ways to ensure the health and survival of the child. It is the healthiest way to feed a baby. No matter how long, breastfeeding has a positive effect, but the longer you breastfeed, the longer the protection and the greater the benefits.

However, even though breastfeeding is a natural function of the body,  it requires practice and patience,  as it can become frustrating due to a multitude of physical complications and social influences.

Furthermore, research has found that  prolonged breastfeeding is linked to higher intelligence, longer studies and higher profits in adulthood.