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Updated: May 5, 2026

A Common Marmoset Model of Mother-Infant Intervention for Breastfeeding Disorders in the Presence of Paternal Inhibition and Maternal Neglect
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A Common Marmoset Model of Mother-Infant Intervention for Breastfeeding Disorders in the Presence of Paternal Inhibition and Maternal Neglect

Published on: September 22, 2023

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Breastfeeding, parenting, and early cognitive development

Benjamin G Gibbs1, Renata Forste1

  • 1Department of Sociology, Brigham Young University, Provo, UT.

The Journal of Pediatrics
|November 26, 2013
PubMed

Insights

Breastfeeding is linked to cognitive development, but this association is primarily due to supportive parenting and maternal education, not the feeding practice itself. Promoting positive parenting behaviors is key for child cognitive development.

Area of Science:

  • Child Development
  • Pediatrics
  • Public Health

Background:

  • Breastfeeding is often associated with improved cognitive development in children.
  • The mechanisms underlying this association require further investigation.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To examine the relationship between infant feeding practices and cognitive development.
  • To determine if parenting behaviors and maternal education explain the link between breastfeeding and cognitive outcomes.

Main Methods:

  • Utilized a nationally representative longitudinal survey of early childhood (N = 7500).
  • Assessed breastfeeding, introduction of solid foods, bottle-feeding practices, and cognitive development.
  • Explored the mediating roles of parenting behaviors and maternal education.

Main Results:

  • Predominant breastfeeding for 3+ months showed a positive association with reading skills, mediated by supportive parenting and maternal education.
  • Little to no relationship was found between infant feeding practices and cognitive development in children of less-educated mothers.
  • Daily reading and sensitive parenting were significant predictors of math and reading readiness.

Conclusions:

  • Encouraging breastfeeding to promote school readiness may not be the most effective strategy.
  • Promoting positive parenting behaviors is a more direct and effective approach for enhancing child cognitive development, particularly for disadvantaged children.
Abstract

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