Autism + Breastfeeding: What’s the Connection? By: Emma Patterson RN, BSN Part2

Benefits For Mother

Before we discuss the many protections breastfeeding offers infants, let’s talk about the benefits it also provides to mothers. Breastfeeding benefits are certainly not exclusive to infants as breastfeeding conveys multiple health benefits and protections to mothers as well.

• Maternal Attachment – research has linked longer durations of breastfeeding with an increase in maternal attachment and sensitivity to their child (Meek & Noble, 2022).
• Cost Savings – aside from the obvious costs families would save on infant formula the CDC also finds low breastfeeding rates responsible for over 3 billion dollars per year in additional medical expenses for mothers and children in the U.S. (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention[CDC], 2023).
• Maternal Health – regarding maternal health, research has shown breastfeeding to be linked with a decrease in maternal diabetes, hypertension, multiple cancers, rheumatoid arthritis, cholesterol disorders, and osteoporotic fractures (Meek & Noble, 2022). Take a closer look at the data below!

Benefits for Baby

Due to the many short and long term medical and neurodevelopmental benefits providing breast milk can offer it is not only seen as beneficial but as a public health imperative (Meek & Noble, 2022).

Infant Health – Studies show breastfed infants less frequently experience several acute and chronic health problems such as sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS), lower respiratory illnesses, ear infections, acute diarrheal diseases, inflammatory bowel disease, dental caries and teeth misalignment, diabetes, obesity, asthma, eczema, and even childhood leukemia (Meek & Noble, 2022). Take a closer look at the data below!

Neurodevelopmental Benefits for Baby

     The most active period of neurologic development occurs from conception until 2 years of age. Research highlights the importance of a child’s nutrition and the provision of breastmilk during this period for optimal neurodevelopment as well as long term health (Meek & Noble, 2022).

• ADHD & Autism – Studies have shown that children with attention-deficit and hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) were more likely to have breastfed for shorter durations or not at all. Similarly, evidence has shown children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) were less likely to have breastfed (Meek & Noble, 2022).
• Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) – A large study of over 6000 toddlers across China found toddlers who were not breastfed for the first 6 months of life had increased odds of developing ASD when compared to toddlers who were breastfed (Huang et al., 2021).

See You Next Time

          Come back next time for a more in-depth discussion on the science behind how breastfeeding offers protection against autism spectrum disorder.

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