EXPERTS have long been informing new moms about the benefits of breastfeeding. But while it’s true to say it can help improve mama/baby bonding and boost a baby’s immunity, it turns out one of the previous perceived pros of breast over bottle feeding isn’t actually a benefit at all.

    New research published in the journal Pediatrics has revealed that babies who were breastfed have the same cognitive development at 5 years old as their bottle-fed peers.

    The behavior, vocabulary level and cognitive ability of 7,478 children was measured at age 3 and 5 and analyzed in relation to whether or not they had been breastfed.

    But while the study linked breastfeeding with improved problem solving and reduced hyperactivity in children aged 3, it made no difference by the time they turned 5.

    No evidence was found that breastfeeding affected vocabulary and other abilities at either age.

    It was previously thought, and indeed some other studies seemed to confirm, that breastfed children scored better on intelligence tests than those who were fed formula as children, but this new research throws doubt over that.

    One of the study author’s Lisa-Christine Girard, from University College Dublin, told The Independent that previous research showing the long-term benefits of breastfeeding may have been affected by socio-economic factors such as the mother’s education and income.

    “There’s a certain profile of mothers in developed countries who engage in breastfeeding behavior,” Girard told the publication. “So it’s important to tease that apart and understand the direct link, if there is one.”

    She went on to explain that moms who were more highly educated, better off financially and who were less likely to engage in risky behaviors such as smoking while pregnant, which can impact a child’s development, were statistically more likely to breastfeed.

    But according to Girard once the data was randomized, no significant differences were found between children who were breastfed and those that weren’t in terms of their cognitive ability and language.

    “We did find direct effect of breastfeeding on a reduction in hyperactive behaviors when the children were 3 years old,” she continued.

    “This wasn’t found at 5 years, suggesting there may be other factors that are more influential as children develop.”(SD-Agencies)