11/05/2025
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đ§ New Research: Breastfeeding and Long-Term Brain Growth
Ottino-GonzĂĄlez et al. (2025) found that longer breastfeeding duration was associated with greater cortical thickness and improved cognitive function.
Researchers looked at over 5,000 children between the ages of 9â12 years. They analyzed brain scans, thinking skills, and breastfeeding history.
What they found was powerful: the longer a child had been breastfed, the stronger and healthier their brain structure appearedâŚ. even years later.
đĄ Hereâs what they found:
Children who were breastfed longer had:
⨠Thicker brain cortex â this is the outer layer of the brain responsible for memory, attention, perception, and awareness.
⨠Larger brain surface area â which is connected to intelligence, emotional regulation, and learning.
⨠More myelin in key areas â myelin is like âinsulationâ that helps brain cells send messages quickly and efficiently.
Even more fascinating? Those brain differences were directly linked to better cognitive function, meaning stronger memory, focus, and problem-solving skills.
And this was still true almost a decade after theyâd been weaned.
We often talk about breastfeeding benefits in terms of early life⌠immune support, fewer infections, lower risks of allergies, and reduced hospitalizations. But this study reminds us that human milk is brain food in every sense of the word. Itâs not just about calories. Itâs living tissue, filled with fatty acids like DHA, hormones, stem cells, antibodies, and over a thousand bioactive molecules that support brain development.
Think of it as communication milk: every feed delivers microscopic messages that tell your babyâs brain how to grow, connect, and adapt.
Of course, this doesnât mean breastfeeding is the only factor, genes, environment, and education all play roles. But it shows that the effects of breast milk donât just fade after the newborn stage⌠they keep echoing into childhood and beyond.
Every drop, every feed, every ounce matters.
Whether you breastfed for a week, a month, or several years, you gave your baby something their brain will remember. This isnât about perfection. Itâs about protection. Breastfeeding is one of the most profound ways the body nourishes both body and mind, a biological design thatâs stood the test of time.
You donât have to compare your journey to anyone elseâs. Just know this: when you nurse your child, comfort them at your breast, or pump milk for them you are helping build their brain in ways that science is still discovering.
