It is possible to suggest possible causes for the relationship between breastfeeding and reduced likelihood of problem behaviour. It may be that there is something in the breast milk that leads to improved neurological development and behavioural learning in children. Or the close physical contact during breastfeeding may lead to more mother-baby interaction and better communication. Or the reduced illness experienced by babies who are breastfed.
Maria Quigley says, ‘We just don’t know whether it is because of the constituents in breast milk which are lacking in formula, or the close interaction with the mum during breastfeeding, or whether it is a knock-on effect of the reduced illness in breastfed babies. But it does begin to look like we can add fewer behavioural problems as another potential benefit of breastfeeding.’
Of course this is complex - what is going on - is it the milk itself, the relationship formed by the act and or the nature of the mother herself.
As a man I am not meant to have a view as well. But this surely is true - that we are designed to do this and so breastfeeding is the optimal way. That we are also starting to understand that formula - like all synthetic foods - is not and never can be as good a food as what was designed by evolution to be used.
