A recent study reveals that breastfeeding can have protective effects on a mother’s brain well into her later years. While the health advantages for infants who are breastfed are widely recognized, this new research highlights the potential long-term cognitive benefits for mothers as well, suggesting that breastfeeding may contribute to enhanced brain function as women age.
According to a study conducted by researchers at UCLA Health, women over the age of 50 who breastfed their children performed significantly better on cognitive assessments compared to those who did not breastfeed. “While many studies have established the positive impacts of breastfeeding on a child’s health, our research is one of the few that investigates the lasting health benefits for mothers,” stated Dr. Emily Carter, the lead author of the study published in the journal Evolution, Medicine and Public Health.
The study suggests that breastfeeding may have ‘neuroprotective’ properties, fostering better cognitive performance in later life. The cognitive assessments conducted focused on aspects such as learning, delayed recall, executive functioning, and processing speed.
Notably, breastfeeding has previously been associated with a reduced risk of conditions like type-2 diabetes and heart disease—two factors that correlate with a higher risk of Alzheimer’s disease. Thus, not only does breastfeeding seem to lower the risk for these diseases, but it also appears to enhance overall brain health in women.
Dr. Carter added, “Given that breastfeeding has been shown to help regulate stress, encourage bonding with the infant, and lower the risk of postpartum depression, we suspected it would also correlate with improved long-term cognitive performance for mothers.” The study found that those who breastfed for longer durations had the highest cognitive scores.
While the research involved 115 female volunteers, the authors emphasize the need for further exploration with larger and more diverse groups. Nevertheless, this is promising news for mothers who have chosen to breastfeed. It’s important to remember, however, that every mother’s journey is unique, and the most important thing is that babies are fed, whether through breastfeeding or other methods.
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In summary, breastfeeding not only benefits infants but may also provide lasting cognitive advantages for mothers, particularly as they age. This highlights the importance of supporting breastfeeding while also respecting each mother’s individual choice regarding feeding.