Breastfeeding improves cognitive skills

MEXICO CITY (EFE) — Breastfeeding is not only a natural form of nutrition, but also a powerful tool for boosting babies' neurological development, a specialist said during World Breastfeeding Week, which has been observed since last Friday.

Adalberto Ramón González Astiazarán, a pediatric neurologist at ABC Medical Center, explained that "breast-fed children perform better in motor, cognitive, and attention skills, both in early childhood and throughout school and adulthood."

She explained that there are studies that "show between 3% and 7% better performance on neurological tests in breastfed babies, even when comparing populations with similar socioeconomic conditions and maternal ages."

According to the neurologist, breast milk contains essential elements for the developing brain, such as long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids, neurotransmitters, and hormonal factors, "components that are not found in the same proportions in milk formulas."

González Astiazarán pointed out that there are different types of breastfeeding and that "the greatest neurological benefits are observed in babies breastfed directly from the mother's breast." In addition to the nutritional value, the specialist emphasized the emotional value of this practice.

"It strengthens the mother-baby bond, develops nonverbal communication, and provides emotional security from the first months of life," said the doctor.

However, she acknowledged that achieving exclusive breastfeeding for the first six months remains a challenge for many women in Mexico and Latin America.

“The workplace is often one of the biggest obstacles,” he said.

González Astiazarán warned that "many mothers don't have adequate spaces to express milk or refrigerate it. Without these conditions, maintaining exclusive breastfeeding becomes impossible."

He also noted that there is still a great deal of misinformation on the subject.

"Sometimes there is rejection from the partner or fears about the impact on the woman's body image, which has no scientific basis," she said.

Finally, the specialist called on health systems to strengthen the promotion of breastfeeding. "We need clear, sustained campaigns with trained professionals, and above all, we need to provide the necessary support to mothers so they can exercise this right without obstacles," he concluded.

At a glance

Strengthened brain

Exclusive breastfeeding for at least six months boosts neurological development by 3% to 7%, improving cognitive, motor, and attention skills over the long term.

Without adequate support

Lack of adequate working conditions and misinformation prevent many women from achieving exclusive breastfeeding.