An international team of researchers led by University of Western Australia have shown in their recent study report that breastfeeding is good for children; especially boys. The researchers have explained that breastfeeding increases the intelligence level of children. This effect was highly predominant in boys.

We all know that breastfeeding is one of the key essentials for the healthy growth of infants. Now, the recent research has highlighted that a substance might be present in breast milk that enhances the brain development. Researchers have found that this effect was more pronounced in boys. The cortex of breastfed babies were found to be rich in omega-3 fats as compared to bottle fed babies. They are of the opinion that absence of female hormones that protect the brain might be the reason behind this effect. Breast milk is a rich source of many vital nutrients which are necessary for the healthy development of infant. It is also very rich in long chain fatty acids that support brain development.

In general; benefit of breastfeeding was seen in academic success of all children at the age of 10. It has come to the light that breastfeeding for the first six months, aids optimal development of infants. The study revealed that breastfeeding resulted in better scores in Mathematics, reading, writing and spellings. This effect was not found in the girls. Breastfeeding develops a bond in between mother and a child and it has been found that male babies are more vulnerable to critical conditions, so more dependent on maternal attention. It may be due to more vulnerability that estrodiols, a female hormone found in breast milk greater affects the boys and benefits them with better brain development.

Benefits Of Breastfeeding

Breastfeeding has long term effects. Its benefits can be seen in infants as well as in the growing child. Mother[object Plugin]s milk is rich in factors that promote brain development. So, due to beneficial affect of breast milk, breastfeed child scores higher in IQ test.

Presence of specific enzymes, hormones, and immunoglobulins in mother's milk can't be manufactured synthetically. Moreover, breast milk is always raw and fresh, very important for the development of child.

During the first six months, babies are more prone to infections. Breastfeeding minimizes the incidence of infections as breast milk is loaded with antibacterial, antiviral, antiprotozoal, antifungal factors in addition to many antibodies.

Apart from special closeness between a mother and a child, breastfeeding is also beneficial to the mothers in numerous ways. Mothers who are breastfeeding their children are very much in tune with their baby's needs. This increases the baby's security and also makes the mother more confident in her parenting ability. It also acts as an effective birth control measures in women. The nursing mothers are easily able to adjust to the many changes that occur after the birth of the baby. So, breastfeeding should be practiced as it is not only good for children, but also to the nursing mothers.

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