Breastmilk and subsequent intelligence quotient in children born premature
(Lucas, A et al. Lancet 339:261-264, 1992) A follow up British study of premature infants reports the intelligence quotients results of 8-year-olds who had been fed their own mother's milk after birth. The children who had received their mother's milk had a significantly higher IQ at ages 7.5 to 8 years than children who did not receive breastmilk.

Neurological differences between 9 year-old children fed breast-milk or formula as babies.
(Lanting, CI et al. Lancet: 344:1319-1322, 1994) A Dutch retrospective study revealed that children fed with artificial milk exclusively or supplemented to breastmilk within the first three weeks of life were found to have twice the rate of minor neurological dysfunction as compared to children fully breastfed at least for the first 21 days of life. Possible mechanisms suggested include the psychosocial features of breastfeeding, the beneficial effects maternal hormones (such as the thyroid stimulating hormones) secreted through breastmilk and of essential long chain fatty acids (arachidonic, docosahexaenoic) known to be present in breastmilk and missing in most artificial baby milks.

Breastfeeding for Optimal Mental Development
de Andraca I, Uauy R, Simopoulos AP, Dutra de Oliveira JE and Desai ID (eds): Behavioral and Metabolic Aspects of Breastfeeding. World Rev.Nutr Diet, Basel, Karget, 1995, vol. 78-001-27. The study concludes that "special fatty acids" in breastmilk lead to increased intelligence quotients (IQs) and better visual acuity.

Influence of breastfeeding on the infant's intellectual development
(Temboury, MC et al. J Pediatric Gastroenter Nutr 18:32-36,1994) A prospective Spanish study says that breastfeeding acts as "protective mechanisms for the mother and child in an adverse environment" and that breastfeeding itself "improves the mother-child relationship and the infant's stimulation."

How does breastfeeding helps the child's intelligence?
The ongoing research shows that breastfeeding is not only important for health, nutrition and the development of the child but also enhances brain development and learning readiness as well. By the age of six, when children generally start school, most of the brain's neural connections are already made. For the scientific evidence in its favour see box on Page 1.

Do you think that education is the best investment for life?
All over the world there is increasing knowledge and concern about early child development and "significant interactions" in the family. There is widespread interest in improving the quality of child care and in integrating knowledge about the needs of the developing child into our education systems and curriculum.

Why provide breastfeeding education?
Developing critical thinking skills and applying them to breastfeeding issues helps children, youth and adults examine the advantages and disadvantages of various feeding practices, form their own opinions and make informed choices. Learners become aware of pressures from advertisers who promote bottle-feeding, of how careers and breastfeeding can go together and the kind of support breastfeeding women need from society and employers. They will be better able to make informed decisions in their own lives.

When to provide breastfeeding education?
Formal and informal education gives children, youth and adults numerous opportunities to obtain correct information about breastfeeding. Breastfeeding information can be easily incorporated into subjects such as science, biology, family studies, nutrition, and home economics.

Why should breastfeeding education be introduced early?
A comprehensive approach to learning for life includes helping children develop the literary, numerical and psychosocial skills and the knowledge base that will equip them to be active and effective participants in the events of their lives. In this approach to learning, teachers and students need to relate in new ways, so that the classroom experience – the very process of learning – becomes a preparation for life. The participatory methodology is the best way for learning new things and this methodology should be adapted in education from the pre nursery school onwards.

What should we teach about breastfeeding?
It is important to include basic messages about breastfeeding (e.g., breastfeeding is the normal way for babies to eat, and the mother should not be shy to breastfeed her child freely anywhere).
 
 

This Fact Sheet is a publication of Breastfeeding Promotion Network of India (BPNI)
Written & Compiled - Dr. Arun Gupta & Mrs. Jessy George
For additional information or questions, please contact BPNI
BP-33, Pitampura, Delhi-110 034
Ph: 7443445, Fax: 91-11-7219606, E-mail: ritarun@nda.vsnl.net.in  
 
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