Who says that we can’t change the world through breastfeeding? In a 15-year prospective study, Australian researchers looked at almost 6000 mother-baby pairs and found that breastfeeding for 4 months or longer was significantly associated with fewer cases of maternal child neglect. Researchers theorize that oxytocin (produced by breastfeeding) alters the pattern of mother-child bonding, reducing child neglect. Because child neglect and maltreatment is often repeated in future generations, successful promotion of breastfeeding and breastfeeding-friendly birth practices (such as keeping mothers and babies together) could change the world! PubMed #19171613.
