Introduction
The relationship between breastfeeding and cognitive development in children has been a topic of extensive research and debate. The systematic review titled "Breast milk and cognitive development—the role of confounders" (Walfisch et al., 2013) provides a comprehensive analysis of this association, highlighting the influence of various confounding factors. This blog aims to help practitioners understand these findings and consider them in their practice to improve outcomes for children.
Understanding the Research
The systematic review analyzed 84 studies to evaluate the association between breastfeeding and cognitive development. The studies included in the review varied in quality, with 34 rated as high quality, 26 as moderate, and 24 as low quality. The review found that much of the reported effect of breastfeeding on child neurodevelopment is due to confounding factors such as maternal socioeconomic status and IQ.
Out of the 84 studies, 21 showed no association between breastfeeding and cognitive development, 28 showed a positive association, 18 showed a null effect after adjusting for confounders, and 17 showed a diminished but still positive effect after adjustments. The studies that accounted for more confounders were generally of higher quality and often showed diminished effects of breastfeeding on cognitive outcomes.
Implications for Practitioners
For practitioners in the field of speech-language pathology and child development, these findings emphasize the importance of considering confounding factors when evaluating the impact of breastfeeding on cognitive development. Here are some key takeaways:
- Comprehensive Assessment: When assessing a child's cognitive development, consider a wide range of factors, including parental socioeconomic status, education, and IQ, which may influence outcomes.
- Holistic Approach: Encourage a holistic approach to child development that includes nutrition, environmental stimulation, and parental involvement, rather than focusing solely on breastfeeding.
- Research Opportunities: The review suggests that future studies should rigorously control for confounders or use sibling cohorts discordant for breastfeeding to provide more robust conclusions. Practitioners can contribute to or encourage such research to further clarify this relationship.
Conclusion
The systematic review by Walfisch et al. (2013) provides valuable insights into the complex relationship between breastfeeding and cognitive development. While breastfeeding offers numerous health benefits, its direct impact on cognitive outcomes may be less significant than previously thought when confounding factors are considered. Practitioners should use this knowledge to guide their practice and support families in making informed decisions about child nutrition and development.
To read the original research paper, please follow this link: Breast milk and cognitive development—the role of confounders: a systematic review.
