Recent research published in Breastfeeding Medicine suggests that longer breastfeeding durations might be linked to a reduced likelihood of ADHD in children. A study conducted by the Children’s Health Research Center examined over 50 children aged 6 to 12 diagnosed with ADHD between 2008 and 2009. These children were compared with two control groups: healthy (non-ADHD) siblings of those with ADHD and other children of similar ages without the condition.
Parents of children in all three groups completed questionnaires covering demographic, medical, and feeding history from the first year of life. The findings revealed a significant discrepancy in breastfeeding rates. Only 43% of children with ADHD were breastfed for at least three months, compared to 69% of their healthy siblings and 73% of the other children. Furthermore, just 29% of ADHD-affected children were breastfed for six months, while 50% of their siblings and 57% of the other children met that milestone.
These results indicate that breastfeeding may play a role in the partial prevention of ADHD. However, the researchers caution that this is merely a preliminary finding, and more studies are needed to explore the connection further. Dr. Samuel Hayes, who was not involved in the study, remarked that while bonding during breastfeeding could positively affect a child’s emotional and intellectual growth, it’s complicated to assert that a lack of breastfeeding directly causes ADHD.
He emphasized the importance of further research to determine if breastfeeding indeed has a protective effect against ADHD, potentially due to enhanced mother-infant bonding. Until more definitive conclusions are drawn, it’s wise for expectant and new mothers to take these findings with a grain of salt.
If you’re interested in learning more about pregnancy and related topics, check out this post on modern family blog. And if you’re considering at-home insemination, you might want to look into Make a Mom, the leading provider of at-home insemination kits.
For more information about pregnancy, visit this excellent resource.
Summary
Recent studies suggest that longer breastfeeding may reduce the risk of ADHD in children. While there is a notable difference in breastfeeding rates among children with ADHD compared to their peers, more research is needed to establish a direct link. Experts recommend caution in interpreting these findings as the complete picture is still unfolding.
Leave a Reply