There are studies to examine whether breastfeeding in infants is associated with higher intelligence later in life. Many have found a connection. A large randomized study was conducted in Belarus between 1996 and 1997. During this time 13,889 infants were randomly chosen to receive or not to receive breastfeeding promotion, based in the “Baby Friendly Hospital Initiative”. The findings were that those born in hospitals receiving breastfeeding promotion had IQs that were 2.9 – 7.5 points higher when followed up in 2002-2005. Since a trial like this should allow for maternal IQ, the conclusion was that there was strong evidence that prolonged and exclusive breastfeeding improves cognitive development. A 2001 study by Horwood, Darlow and Mogridge found that those who were breastfed for more than eight months had verbal IQ scores 6 points higher and they concluded that breast feeding may have small long term benefits for child cognitive develop-ment. In 2005, a study with pairs of siblings found evidence of breastfeeding and intelligence involving 2,734 siblings. A 2007 WHO report suggested that “breastfeeding is associated with increased cognitive development in childhood.” What is unsure is whether it is actually the properties of breast milk or whether breastfeeding increases the bond between mother and child and in this way contributes to intellectual development. A recent study from the United Kingdom showed that children who were breastfed as babies at age five had higher scores on tests of vocabulary and reasoning than those who weren’t breastfed. The biggest difference was seen in those who were born early and needed more brain development to catch up. One reason breast feed babies scored higher is there are essential fatty acids in breast milk which are good for cell development and particularly brain development, and there are differences in hormones and growth factors which are not in formula. Another explanation is social. Breastfed babies are cuddled more and seem to have a perceived advantage. In this study, there were about 12,000 babies born in the UK between 2000 and 2002. At nine months old at a later study visit the parents were asked whether the child was breastfed and until what age. At five years, the children were tested for vocabulary, reasoning and spatial skills. Breastfed children did better on tests whether born on time or preemies. Those born on time and breastfed for four to six months were a few months ahead of those not breast-fed on vocabulary and picture related reasoning tests. While increases were seen with two months of breastfeeding in picture and spatial tests, the benefits were seen in increased vocabulary when breastfed for four months. While the differences may have been small, the children who start off with a disadvantage see gaps get even larger as they get older. • Hepatitis B & HIV has been regularly exposed to toxins, such • Mom as lead & mercury • Active TB, malaria or typhoid fever • Previous breast surgery, or breast deformity • Baby has galactosemia or PKU The Duggar’s youngest daughter, Josie, the youngest daughter of the Duggar family of the cable network real-ity show " 19 and Counting", was taken off breast milk. Born almost 3 months premature, she was lactose intol-erant without the lactase to break down the lactose in breast milk. All of the 18 other children were breast fed! Some think that ankyloglossia or tongue-tie is a reason not to breast-feed. It can be difficult and may need the muscle to be clipped, but again with proper information this too can be done. Sometimes just the position of how the baby is being held while feeding can contribute to the success or failure of the process. Most other problems can be overcome with guidance and perseverance. 10. Do children who breastfeed have a higher or lower incidence of pacifier use or thumb sucking? Pacifiers are generally discouraged when breastfeed-ing. It is best to avoid non-nutritional sucking. Pacifiers have been used when a feeding is complete. There have been studies done in Brazil to show that there is actually lesser use of pacifiers and thumb sucking in breastfed babies. Also researchers found that breastfeeding can prevent the occurrence of sucking habits and prevent malocclusion. Another study in Brazil in 2009 found that the duration of breastfeeding had a positive effect on the mobility of the oral structures while prolonged duration of artifi-cial (bottle) feeding showed negative effects. Research shows that prolonged breastfeeding with-out any bottles or artificial nipples has only positive effects and prevents non-nutritive sucking habits. Most children who are breastfed do not have the need for further sucking on a pacifier or thumb. Recent changes in laws may encourage more moth-ers to breastfeed. The US Surgeon General, Dr. Regina Benjamin, recently released a report relating to breast-feeding. Benjamin's report outlines steps that commu-nities, employers, researchers and others should take to improve support for breastfeeding. Specifically, Surgeon General Benjamin encourages more and better education about breastfeeding issues in medical schools, and in Continuing Medical Education programs. She also stated that such content should be included in licensing and certification examinations. In 2011, the IRS has established that breastfeeding supplies, such as pumps, and other needed accessories are now tax-deductible for 2010. As more businesses and agencies become aware of these and other benefits of breastfeeding, we can hope that the time and bene-fits of the breastfeeding experience will be extended. 9. What are some of the medical reasons to avoid breastfeeding? • Drugs or medications such as chemo • CMV, cytomegalovirus 32 November/December 2011 JAOS
Journal of the American Orthodontic Society November-December 2011: Page 32
