The advantages of breastfeeding a baby are well-known, but does its benefits extend into adulthood?
Well, a new study shows that as little as one month of breastfeeding in infancy results in less physical and psychological problems when these infants become adults, reported WebMD.
It is possible that some of the benefits such as better infant size and growth impact on later psychological well-being, says Dr Iracema Leroi, MD, an honorary lecturer in the department of psychiatry at the University of Manchester in the UK.
Its positive impacts on bonding and cognitive development also probably play major roles in reducing stress later in life, she explains.
The study was presented at the annual meeting of the American Psychological Association in New York.
In the study, those who were breastfed for at least one month reported less stress, anxiety, depression, and other psychological problems in adulthood than those who were bottle-fed or breastfed for less than a month.
"Males in particular suffered lower stress later in life," said Dr Leroi.
She added that this is the first time anyone has looked at overall psychological distress in relationship to breastfeeding over the long-term.
The study looked at data from a 1970 British study, which recorded more than 17,000 births in the UK. Mothers were asked about prenatal care, whether the infant was breastfed, and how long breastfeeding lasted.
In 2000, the now-grown children were administered a 24-question survey, which asked about their levels of stress, anxiety, and other psychological illnesses.
The adults, especially males, who had been breastfed as infants for at least one month scored significantly better on the test than those who had been breastfed for less than one month, Dr Leroi said.
