Breast milk plays key role in brain development

MILK is the main source of nutrition for all babies, and the milk produced by mothers has is tailored specially to the newborn’s needs.

Breast milk contains just the right balance of nutrients, such as fats, proteins, lactose, vitamins, minerals, and water, for newborns. These provide the optimal nutritional, immunological, and emotional nurturing for an infant to grow and develop. Thus, it comes as no surprise that the World Health Organisation and UNICEF identify it as the “gold-standard” in infant nutrition.

Most importantly, breast milk also plays a key role in children’s brain development. It is rich in omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids (DHA and AA), taurine, choline, zinc, and many other nutrients that support this process. While it cannot be guaranteed that breast milk will turn your newborn into the next Einstein, it can be guaranteed that it will help your infant’s brain achieve its maximum potential. But how sure are we that breast milk is the way to go?

The relationship between breastfeeding and children’s intelligence has definitely generated much research interest. The literature is extensive, and numerous studies have indeed proven the link between breastfeeding and positive neuro-developmental gains. The following studies and conclusions are a few of many that clearly support this association.

1. Breastmilk and subsequent intelligence quotient in children born preterm by Lucas, A et al, Lancet (1992).

Higher IQ: This study was the first to discover that in children who were born pre-term, those who had consumed breast milk in their early weeks of life had, on average, an 8.3-point advantage in IQ compared to other children. The advantages in IQ were maintained even after the researchers compared children with the same maternal education levels and social class.

2. Duration of breastfeeding and developmental milestones during the latter half of infancy by Vestergaard, M et al, Acta Pediatrica (1999).

Mastery of developmental milestones: Three developmental milestones related to general and fine motor skills and early language development were assessed in 1,656 healthy infants at six months of age. Results showed that the longer a child was breastfed, the quicker she mastered specific developmental milestones.

3. Breastfeeding and child cognitive development by Kramer, MS et al, Archives of General Psychiatry (2008).

Improved cognitive and academic performance: This randomised trial is the largest to date, with more than 15,000 healthy breastfeeding infants involved. Results showed prolonged and exclusive breastfeeding produced children with better cognitive development and academic achievement.

Brain food from the breast

A baby’s brain develops rapidly in the first few years of life, and it is important to support this process with a good balance of “brain-building” nutrients. As breast milk conveniently contains these, it is very important to provide your baby with breast milk right from the start and to continue at least until she is two years of age.