This study investigated the associations between breastfeeding and children's neurodevelopment (IQ and emotional/behavioral problems) in mid-childhood, adjusting for prenatal and postnatal depression and other confounders. It also tested the hypothesis that breastfeeding moderates the effects of prenatal depression and anxiety on children's neurodevelopment. Using data from the Avon Longitudinal Study of Parents and Children (ALSPAC, n=11,096), the study found positive associations between breastfeeding (exclusive and mixed) and IQ at age 8. Exclusive breastfeeding was negatively associated with hyperactivity/attention deficit at age 4. However, breastfeeding did not moderate the association between prenatal depression/anxiety and children's neurodevelopment.

Rita Amiel Castro, Vivette Glover, Ulrike Ehlert, Thomas G. O'Connor