Breastfeeding may not do much for verbal skills

A number of past studies have linked breastfeeding with higher childhood IQ scores. Certain fatty acids found in breast milk are known to aid nervous system development, and researchers have speculated that this explains the IQ gains.

But it's also possible, Gibson-Davis and her colleagues point out, that general parenting practices are the main factor. For example, mothers who breastfeed tend to be better educated, and they may be more likely to engage their children in "stimulating activities," such as reading.

I think it is great for a pro-beastfeeding blog like HMS to post something like this. Intelligent parents are typically going to breastfeed. From what I can tell of the studies that breastfeeding itself is the cause of intelligence gains are at best inconclusive for this very reason.

Still, I recommend breastfeeding and I wish they would do far more long term studies to further clarify the facts on breastfeeding.