X
theAsianparent Philippines Logo
theAsianparent Philippines Logo
EnglishFilipino
Product GuideSign in
  • Building a BakuNation
  • Becoming a Parent
    • Trying to Conceive
    • Pregnancy
    • Delivery
    • Losing a Baby
    • Project Sidekicks
  • Ages & Stages
    • Baby
    • Toddler Years
    • Preschool Age
    • Kids
    • Preteen & Teen
  • Parenting
    • Parent's Guide
    • News
    • Relationship & Sex
  • Health & Wellness
    • Diseases & Injuries
    • Allergies & Conditions
    • Vaccinations
  • Education
    • Preschool
    • K-12
    • Special Education Needs
  • Lifestyle Section
    • Celebrities
    • Contests & Promotions
    • Home
    • Travel and Leisure
    • Fashion
    • Fitness
    • Wellness
    • Money
  • Become a VIP
  • COVID-19
  • Press Room
  • TAP Recommends
  • Shopping
  • Awards
    • Parents' Choice Awards 2023

New Research: Breastfed babies' brains develop faster

3 min read
New Research: Breastfed babies' brains develop faster

Does breastfeeding = brainpower? According to a new study, yes!

Many mothers know that breastfeeding is an essential component of a baby’s nourishment and development. However, new research has found that it can also be a catalyst for better, and faster brains.

A study published in July in the journal Pediatrics found that children who received more breast milk during their first 28 days of life had more gray matter at various locations within the brain at the age of 7, compared to those who received less. Gray matter consists of neurons and it is where cognition and processing within the brain take place.

The study followed 180 preterm infants from birth past the age of 7, conducting MRI brain scans and tests at various ages. The babies were treated in neonatal intensive care units and given as much breast milk as possible, but not equal amounts.

 

dreamstime_s_46225359 (1)

 

The data from the study found that 7-year-olds who were breastfed more often during their first month of development scored significantly higher on tests of IQ, working memory, math and motor skills.

The study’s lead author Mandy Brown Belfort, a physician and researcher at Brigham and Women’s Hospital in Boston, told Science Daily, “This is not only important for moms, but also for hospitals, employers, and friends and family members, so that they can provide the support that’s needed during this time when mothers are under stress and working so hard to produce milk for their babies.”

 

Learn more about the benefits of breastfeeding your babies, and how it helps support healthy, better brains!

This new study is just one of the many indicators in recent memory that point out the benefits of breastfeeding for infants. Namely, how breastfeeding benefits cognitive function.

As a matter of fact, a study published in 2010 in Pediatric Research found that infants with a higher proportion of breast milk in their diets had higher IQs and boys given more milk had larger brains than those who didn’t. These studies suggest that components within breast milk actually help the brain develop better and grow bigger.

 

Fotolia_84427408_Subscription_Monthly_M

 

In addition to the aforementioned studies, a research paper published in NeuroImage in 2013 found that already by the age of 2, breast-fed infants had 20 to 30 percent more white matter—which is involved in communication between different brain regions and the body—compared to those given formula.

Clearly, there is an abundance of research proving the myriad of benefits that breastfeeding brings your baby. Mothers who are blessed with the ability to provide nourishment for their infants via breastfeeding, now more than ever, are encouraged to do so. Not just for the general nourishment of your baby, but for their neurological development!

[H/T] Newsweek

READ: Infographic: Preparing yourself for breastfeeding

Partner Stories
We’re So Thrilled That Super Mom Andi Eigenmann And Her Third Baby Koa Just Crossed This Big Milestone!
We’re So Thrilled That Super Mom Andi Eigenmann And Her Third Baby Koa Just Crossed This Big Milestone!
How Important Is Water For Breastfeeding?
How Important Is Water For Breastfeeding?
From bottle to breast: Can you re-start breastfeeding?
From bottle to breast: Can you re-start breastfeeding?
“Halfie” Birthday! Six “Halfie” Surprises to Expect
“Halfie” Birthday! Six “Halfie” Surprises to Expect

Got a parenting concern? Read articles or ask away and get instant answers on our app. Download theAsianparent Community on iOS or Android now!

img
Written by

Santiago Santa Cruz

Become a Contributor

  • Home
  • /
  • Breastfeeding & Formula
  • /
  • New Research: Breastfed babies' brains develop faster
Share:
  • "Motherhood has no time-outs," said one mom who had to continue breastfeeding despite breast abscess

    "Motherhood has no time-outs," said one mom who had to continue breastfeeding despite breast abscess

  • Toys for 3 month old baby that can help with their development

    Toys for 3 month old baby that can help with their development

  • Breastfeeding Mom asks: "Can I get a tattoo if I'm breastfeeding?"

    Breastfeeding Mom asks: "Can I get a tattoo if I'm breastfeeding?"

  • "Motherhood has no time-outs," said one mom who had to continue breastfeeding despite breast abscess

    "Motherhood has no time-outs," said one mom who had to continue breastfeeding despite breast abscess

  • Toys for 3 month old baby that can help with their development

    Toys for 3 month old baby that can help with their development

  • Breastfeeding Mom asks: "Can I get a tattoo if I'm breastfeeding?"

    Breastfeeding Mom asks: "Can I get a tattoo if I'm breastfeeding?"

Get advice on your pregnancy and growing baby. Sign up for our newsletter
  • Pregnancy
    • Baby
    • Breastfeeding & Formula
    • Baby Names
    • Delivery
  • Parenting
    • Parent's Guide
    • Advice for Parenting Kids
    • Relationship & Sex
  • Lifestyle Section
    • Local celebs
    • Celebrities
    • Money
    • News
  • FAMILY & HOME
    • Couples
    • Weekend & Holiday Guide
    • Health
  • Building a BakuNation
    • More
      • TAP Community
      • Advertise With Us
      • Contact Us
      • Become a Contributor


    • Singapore flag Singapore
    • Thailand flag Thailand
    • Indonesia flag Indonesia
    • Philippines flag Philippines
    • Malaysia flag Malaysia
    • Sri-Lanka flag Sri Lanka
    • India flag India
    • Vietnam flag Vietnam
    • Australia flag Australia
    • Japan flag Japan
    • Nigeria flag Nigeria
    • Kenya flag Kenya
    © Copyright theAsianparent 2023. All rights reserved
    About Us|Team|Privacy Policy|Terms of Use |Sitemap HTML
    • Tools
    • Articles
    • Feed
    • Poll

    We use cookies to ensure you get the best experience. Learn MoreOk, Got it

    We use cookies to ensure you get the best experience. Learn MoreOk, Got it

    theAsianparent heart icon
    Nais naming magpadala ng notification sa'yo tungkol sa latest news at update sa pag-aalaga ng baby at kanilang kalusugan.