A study published online on March 24 in JAMA Network Open suggests that longer durations of breastfeeding, particularly exclusive breastfeeding for at least six months, may significantly reduce the likelihood of developmental delays in children.
The research, led by Inbal Goldshtein, Ph.D., from the KI Research Institute in Kfar Malal, Israel, examined the relationship between breastfeeding and the achievement of developmental milestones, as well as the incidence of neurodevelopmental conditions. The study analyzed data from 570,532 children, gathered through a national network for routine child development surveillance.
The study revealed that 52.1% of children were breastfed for a minimum of six months. Children who were breastfed for this duration, whether exclusively or not, showed fewer delays in achieving language, social, and motor milestones compared to those breastfed for shorter periods. Specifically, the odds ratios for delays were 0.73 for exclusive breastfeeding and 0.86 for nonexclusive breastfeeding.
Additionally, among 37,704 sibling pairs, children who were breastfed for at least six months had a lower risk of developmental delays and neurodevelopmental conditions. The odds ratios were 0.91 for milestone delays and 0.73 for neurodevelopmental conditions in these children compared to their siblings who received less than six months of breastfeeding or none at all.
The authors conclude that the study’s findings emphasize the potential benefits of extended breastfeeding. “Breastfeeding persistence was associated with lower incidence of developmental delays,” they wrote. “These results may serve as valuable guidance for parents, caregivers, and public health initiatives in promoting optimal child development.”
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