Breastfeeding reduces Autism risk

BREASTFEEDING REDUCES THE RISK OF AUTISM

The decision to breastfeed or not is a complicated and personal one. At the same time, we hear from many mothers concerned that their decision may have contributed to their child’s autism. We know that breast milk widely benefits infant health. The American Academy of Pediatrics recently reaffirmed its support of breastfeeding infants exclusively for the first six months and in combination with introduced food through the first year.

In terms of autism risk, a number of research reports have considered breastfeeding versus formula. None directly tested whether breast milk – from the breast or a bottle – reduces or increases risk for autism spectrum disorder (ASD). However, most show that children with ASD are more likely to have been either bottle fed from birth or weaned early than are comparison groups of children not affected by ASD.

So why can’t we say “formula feeding causes autism”? There are too many related variables that may be affecting risk. Studies to date have not been able to exclude these other factors. As a result, we only know that formula feeding appears to “correlate,” or coincide, with increased risk of autism. But we don’t know that it causes autism or directly increases risk. For example, studies have associated a mother’s socioeconomic status and educational level to the likelihood that she breastfeeds. These differences may also affect the risk that her child develops autism.

While we can’t say whether breastfeeding or formula feeding is related to autism risk, we know there are many good reasons to encourage breastfeeding.

Clearly, prenatal and early postnatal nutrition is incredibly important for the health and welfare of children. This includes the nutrition a child receives through prenatal vitamins and the mother’s diet during pregnancy, breast milk and colostrum, and early diet before and after pregnancy.

CONCLUSION Breastfeeding your baby exclusively for 6 months till 1 year will reduce the risk of Autism (ASD)