Prolonged Breast-Feeding Promotes Psychological Health

Breast-feeding for <6 months was associated with increased risk for mental health problems during childhood and adolescence.

Compelling evidence supports the positive effect of breast-feeding on cognitive development, but less is known about the effects of breast-feeding on long-term mental health outcomes. To examine this association, researchers in Australia prospectively followed the offspring of 2900 pregnant women (2868 live births) from birth to age 14 years. Mental health status was assessed at ages 2, 6, 8, 10, and 14 years using the Child Behavior Checklist (CBCL). Duration of breast-feeding was defined as the age when any breast-feeding was stopped; 52% of infants were breast-fed for ≥6 months and 48% for <6 months. Data were available for more than 75% of children for the entire follow-up period.

Maternal characteristics associated with breast-feeding f…

Reviewing Author

Martin T. Stein, MD

Disclosures

Consultant / Advisory boardPearson Neuroscience Advisory Board

Speaker’s bureauAmerican Academy of Pediatrics

RoyaltiesElsevier, Inc.

Editorial boardsJournal of Developmental and Behavioral Pediatrics