Extended Nursing Improves I.Q. and Social Skills
Intellectual and Emotional Benefits of Breastfeeding Toddlers
Sep 8, 2008
Mothers may wonder if there is any benefit to breastfeeding a child past a year. While some parenting myths claim that there is no reason to continue nursing after a child can eat and drink independently, the scientific community says otherwise. Studies done on the physical, mental and social ramifications of the breast versus bottle debate have consistently shown that children fed on artificial formula score lower than their breastfed counterparts.
Breastfed Toddlers are Smarter
Children who are breastfed score higher on intelligence tests than children who were not, with the ones who were breastfed longest showing the most benefit. I.Q. scores, reading and math tests, and reports from teachers compiled during a study conducted by L.J. Horwood concluded that there were statistically significant increases in child cognitive ability and educational achievement based on long-term nursing. [“Breastfeeding and Later Cognitive and Academic Outcomes”, Pediatrics, 1998].
The reason for increased intelligence in breastfed children is likely a combination of factors, but the essential fatty acids in breastmilk probably play a large part. Formula companies have begun including fatty acids such as DHA and ARA in their newest infant formulas, but these additives are not FDA-approved and studies have not concluded that they have the same effect as breastmilk on intelligence.
Nursing Toddlers are More Socially Well-adjusted
Not many studies have been done comparing the social adjustment of breast- and bottle-fed children. One study, however, did show that breastfed children were better able to get along in social situations than children who were not breastfed. According to the researchers, “there are statistically significant tendencies for conduct disorder scores to decline with increasing duration of breastfeeding.” [Ferguson D.M., “Breastfeeding and Subsequent Social Adjustment in Six- to Eight-year-old Children,” Journal of Child Psychology Psychiatric Allied Discipline, 1987].
Breastfeeding Meets Toddlers’ Needs
All studies aside, mothers who have nursed toddlers know that there is no magic to hitting that 12 month mark. Even as he begins to walk and talk and explore his world more fully, a toddler still wants to come back to his mother’s breast for comfort, for reassurance, for a chance to “check in” during an eventful day. Nursing your growing child is an easy, comfortable and natural way to help him navigate his world.
One myth about breastfeeding toddlers is that they will not achieve independence. Breastfed toddlers may actually be more secure in their independence because they were able to gain it according to their own timetable.
Long Term Breastfeeding is Recommended by Professionals
The American Academy of Pediatrics, American Academy of Family Physicians, U.S. Surgeon General and the World Health Organization all endorse breastfeeding up to two years and beyond. Each of these professional organizations acknowledges the unique benefits of breastfeeding past one year.
In societies where there is not undue pressure to wean, nursing past a year is accepted and expected. According to Dr. Katherine Dettwyler, most children who are allowed to self-wean will do so between the ages of 3 and 4 [“A Natural Age of Weaning”, 1997]. It’s important to understand that breastfeeding a toddler is a normal physiological process for human beings.
How long to breastfeed is a decision that each nursing pair must work out for themselves. If a mother does choose to nurse her child into toddlerhood and beyond, she can rest assured that the scientific community and the world at large supports her decision. Breastfeeding into toddlerhood is a normal, natural process that helps children achieve their intellectual, social and emotional potentials.
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