Children born prematurely have a higher risk of underperforming math, reading, and other skills and are also at higher risk for attention deficit / hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). But a new study suggests that an intervention in the first weeks and months of a premature baby’s life may lead to better outcomes in neurological development in later years. In a study that followed premature babies for seven years, researchers at Brigham and Women’s Hospital along with collaborators from the South Australian Institute of Medical and Health Research found that children who received more amounts of breast milk during and after time in the neonatal intensive care unit. (NICU) had higher academic performance, a higher IQ, and a reduction in ADHD symptoms. The results are published in JAMA Network Open.
“Our study finds that there may be long-term neurological developmental benefits in providing breast milk to premature babies,” said corresponding author Mandy Brown Belfort, MD, MPH, of the Department of Pediatric Medicine of the Newborn. “Many families are engaged in the idea of providing breast milk, but they may face great challenges. Our findings underscore the importance of supporting to initiate and maintain breastfeeding because breast milk at this early age can provide benefits years later. “.
Belfort and colleagues analyzed the neurodevelopmental outcomes of 586 babies born less than 33 weeks pregnant at one of Australia’s five perinatal centers. Children were assessed at age 7 (corrected for prematurity). The team analyzed data on the dose of breast milk (volume of breast milk babies received each day) and the duration of breast milk (how long the parents continued breastfeeding) predicted several neurodevelopmental outcomes. . These outcomes included academic performance, verbal and performance IQ, ADHD symptoms, executive function, and behavior.
Overall, the team found that a higher intake of breast milk was associated with a higher IQ and higher scores in reading and math. Parents also reported fewer symptoms of ADHD for children who consumed more breast milk during childhood. The duration of breast milk intake (up to 18 months of corrected age) was also associated with higher reading, spelling, and math scores. The researchers controlled for confounding factors, including clinical and social factors. These beneficial associations were stronger for infants born at the lowest gestational age, especially those born below 30 weeks of gestation.
The authors note that their study is observational: they cannot determine causality, as there may be other unexplained factors that influence both the ability to provide breast milk and academic performance. Strengths of the study include its large size, the range of results examined, and that researchers could evaluate school-age outcomes. Other studies have only followed children up to preschool age, making it difficult to assess the full range of neurodevelopmental outcomes.
Overall, Belfort sees the team’s findings as a statement of the guidance of the American Academy of Pediatrics and the World Health Organization, which recommends breast milk for babies.
“Our study confirms the recommended strategies to help parents provide breast milk to premature babies,” Belfort said. “And it reinforces the call for health and parental leave policies that support parents rather than work against them. As a society, we need to invest in families; it is an investment that will continue to benefit children when they come to school. school age “.
Source of the story:
Materials provided by Brigham and Women’s Hospital. Note: Content can be edited by style and length.