Here’s a question from Asha in Brampton, ON:
Q: Someone told me that breastfeeding makes babies more intelligent – can that be true?
A: Yes, Asha, we’ve known for a long time that the fat in breastmilk is perfect for the development of the human brain (which, incidentally, is comprised of about 60% fat!). Research is now showing that children who were breastfed for at least 6 months grow into adults who score close to four points higher on IQ tests, attend school for a year longer and made 15% more money at age 30! These were the findings of a recent study of nearly 6,000 babies. Interestingly enough, the study’s lead researcher, Dr. Bernardo Lessa Horta from the Federal University of Pelotas in Brazil noted that “What is unique about this study is the fact that, in the population we studied, breastfeeding was not more common among highly educated, high-income women, but was evenly distributed by social class.”
One more great reason to breastfeed your baby!
Nancy Lahn RN
Developer of the Cozy Cuddles Nursing Pillow
Originally posted 2015-04-14 15:58:57.