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Breastfeeding
increases children's intelligence, according to a recent international
study.
The study, published by the Journal of the American Medical Association,
showed a link between the duration of breastfeeding and intelligence
in young adults.
'This study supports other research,' National President of the
Australian Breastfeeding Association, Anne Croker, said today.
'The evidence continues to show that breastfeeding provides lifelong
benefits.'
Researchers from the Danish Epidemiology Science Centre in Copenhagen
and The Kinsey Institute at Indiana University found that IQ scores
on two different intelligence tests increased as the duration
of breastfeeding increased.
Average IQs increased from 99.4 (for babies breastfed for less
than one month) to 104 (more than 9 months). The researchers used
a large number of subjects and controlled for a range of social,
economic and health factors in the parents.
'The Australian Breastfeeding Association has long promoted the
World Health Organisation's recommendation for breastfeeding until
2 years of age to maximise the health benefits of breast milk,'
Ms Croker said. 'Increasingly there is research to support benefits
to intellectual development as well.'
Researchers
suggest possible reasons for the link between breastfeeding and
cognitive development. These include the suggestion that there
are nutrients in breast milk not found in cow's milk or formula,
and the psychological and physical contact between the mother
and baby during feeding times.
Contact
the Australian Breastfeeding Association for more information
or support:
http://www.breastfeeding.asn.au/
Formerly the Nursing Mothers' Assocation
of Australia, The Australian Breastfeeding Assocation is
a large community-based self-help group, recognised as a leading
authority on breastfeeding. The Assocation provides innovative
counselling and support services to the community and health sector
throughout Australia. You will find a wealth of information for
both breastfeeding women and for health professionals and others
who are involved in supporting and promoting breastfeeding on
their website.
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